Mets at Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks were bound to come up with a lackluster performance after tearing up opposing pitchers for more than a week. Arizona looks to bounce back from such an outing when it hosts the New York Mets on Sunday for the finale of their four-game series.
The Diamondbacks won seven of eight contests, scoring at least six runs in each victory, before recording only six hits in Saturday's 5-1 setback. David Peralta and Paul Goldschmidt each went 0-for-4 to end their 11- and seven-game hitting streaks, respectively, although the latter drove in Arizona's lone run to give him 15 RBIs over his last 10 contests. Michael Conforto registered a double, a homer and four RBIs for the Mets as he matched his hits total from the previous nine games. Brandon Nimmo has hit safely in seven of his last nine contests for New York, which is 1-4 on its 10-game road trip that concludes with four games in Colorado.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-5, 4.98 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (1-1, 3.21)
Wheeler produced two strong outings and came away empty-handed before struggling in Atlanta on Tuesday. The 28-year-old native of Georgia was tagged by the Braves for six runs on eight hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings as he lost his fourth consecutive decision. Wheeler has made nine starts against Atlanta in his career, going 4-3 with a 3.62 ERA.
Buchholz is coming off the worst of his five starts this season, but escaped with a no-decision after surrendering six runs (five earned) and seven hits over four innings against Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Texan walked two batters in the outing after issuing only three free passes over 24 frames in his first four turns. Buchholz has yet to defeat the Mets in his career, going 0-1 while yielding seven runs over 7 1/3 innings in two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets OF Jay Bruce (back/hip) hopes to return Sunday after missing the last three games.
2. Arizona RHP Shelby Miller (shoulder) was sent to Class A Visalia on Saturday to continue his rehab assignment.
3. New York is expected to activate RHP Jeurys Familia (shoulder) from the disabled list prior to Sunday's contest.