Diamondbacks at Mets
The New York Mets own consecutive wins for the first time in more than a month and have a chance to complete a three-game series sweep when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. A two-run homer by Devin Mesoraco pulled the Mets into a tie and Wilmer Flores' sacrifice fly in the ninth gave them a walk-off 5-4 victory over the reeling Diamondbacks on Saturday.
Michael Conforto followed up a four-hit effort in the series opener with a two-run homer for New York and is 9-for-17 with seven RBIs in his last five home games against Arizona. The Diamondbacks have been alone in first place in the National League West since April 1 but their lead is down to a half-game amid a woeful 1-9 stretch. Clay Buchholz will be making his first start since April 11, 2017, after signing as a free agent with Arizona earlier this month. He will be opposed by fellow right-hander Noah Syndergaard, who has a 2.72 ERA in his career at Citi Field.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, PIX 11 (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (2017: 0-1, 12.27 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (3-1, 3.14)
Buchholz had a 2.93 ERA in five minor league starts for Kansas City and Arizona before getting called up. The two-time All-Star made only two starts for Philadelphia last season before having surgery in April to fix a torn flexor tendon. Buchholz was pounded for six runs in 2 1/3 innings in his only prior matchup with the Mets on April 11, 2017, which was also his last outing with the Phillies before the surgery.
Syndergaard picked up his first win in more than a month his last time out despite lasting only five innings against Toronto, allowing two runs and striking out seven. He has a 3.71 ERA and has allowed 21 hits and seven walks in 17 innings over three starts this month - all at home. Daniel Descalso is 3-for-6 against the 25-year-old, who is 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three career starts against Arizona.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arizona has lost six times by two runs or fewer in its last 10 games.
2. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt homered for the first time in more than a month Saturday and has hit all five of his long balls this year on the road.
3. The Mets have a 71-70 advantage in the series.