Diamondbacks at Mets
The New York Mets have a chance to record back-to-back victories for the first time since they ran off a nine-game winning streak in early April when they continue their three-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night. Michael Conforto went 4-for-4 with two RBIs to lift New York to a 3-1 victory in the series opener.
The day ended a lot better than it started for the Mets, who announced earlier Friday that outfielder Juan Lagares tore a ligament in his big toe and will undergo surgery that is expected to end his season. "It's going to hurt us a little bit," New York manager Mickey Callaway said of the loss of Lagares, who was expected to see additional playing time after Yoenis Cespedes went on the disabled list Wednesday. The Diamondbacks activated All-Star third baseman Jake Lamb from the DL on Friday but it did little to help their punchless offense as they were limited to two runs or fewer for the seventh time in eight games. Arizona struck out 16 times Friday, including four by slumping first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, to fall to 1-8 over its last night games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (4-1, 2.53 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (1-3, 3.86)
Corbin suffered his first loss last time out versus Milwaukee, allowing a season-high four runs to offset eight strikeouts over six innings. That followed a streak of three straight no-decisions in which the 28-year-old permitted only five runs and 13 hits over 17 2/3 innings. Corbin has made seven appearances (six starts) versus New York, posting a 1-3 mark and 4.95 ERA while giving up seven homers in 36 1/3 innings.
Matz turned his second straight solid outing, overcoming a season-high four walks to allow one run on five hits over five innings in a no-decision at Philadelphia last Friday. The soon-to-be 27-year-old was a hard-luck loser in his previous start after limiting Colorado to one run on three hits over six innings in a 2-0 setback. Matz, who pitched six innings of two-run ball in his lone start versus Arizona, is 7-10 lifetime at Citi Field.
WALK-OFFS
1. Goldschmidt went 3-for-30 with 13 strikeouts over the past eight games.
2. Conforto is 10-for-28 over his last seven games.
3. Diamondbacks RF Steven Souza Jr. left Friday's game due to pectoral discomfort and is schedule for an MRI exam.