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Mets-Nationals Preview

Jun 7, 2009 - 4:46 AM By MATT BECKER STATS Senior Writer

New York (29-24) at Washington (14-39), 1:35 p.m. EDT

After opening a road trip by getting swept, the New York Mets were hoping to turn things around with a series against the team with the majors' worst record. So far, it hasn't worked out as planned.

The Mets look to bounce back from a disappointing loss and avoid dropping five of six on their trip when they wrap up a three-game set against the lowly Washington Nationals on Sunday.

New York (29-25) entered June just a half-game back of NL East-leading Philadelphia, but very little has gone right this month as it's fallen three games out of first. The Mets were outscored 22-12 in being swept in three games at Pittsburgh earlier this week and have had little offense in the first two games in Washington (15-39).

Following Friday's 3-1, 10-inning win over the Nationals, New York was limited to four hits in Saturday's 7-1 loss. The Mets had plenty of chances for more runs Saturday but hit into five double plays, matching a Washington franchise record.

In danger of losing for the sixth time in eight games, New York appears to have the right man taking the mound so it can get back in the win column.

Since being traded from Washington nearly three years ago, Livan Hernandez (4-1, 4.33 ERA) almost has a perfect record against his former team.

After losing his first start versus the Nationals following the trade, the right-hander has a 2.86 ERA in winning his last six outings against them.

Hernandez, who pitched for the Washington franchise from 2003-06, had his best outing of 2009 against the Nationals on May 26, giving up one run and nine hits in a complete-game, 6-1 win.

In his next start, Hernandez allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings of Monday's 8-5 loss to Pittsburgh, but didn't factor in the decision.

Washington's John Lannan threw a complete game Saturday to lead the Nationals to just their fourth win in 22 games. They haven't reeled off consecutive victories since winning a season-high three in a row May 7-9.

Washington has a major league-worst 5.50 team ERA, but manager Manny Acta was encouraged by Lannan's outing.

"The future is bright here, especially with the kids who are shaping up this rotation right now," Acta told the team's official Web site. "Are we going to have the five of them in this rotation for the next 10 years? We didn't know yet."

For the series finale, Acta gives the ball to rookie Craig Stammen (0-1, 5.71), who again seeks his first career win.

Stammen allowed five runs and seven hits in six innings of a 10-6 win over San Francisco on Tuesday. Through three starts, the right-hander has yielded 12 runs and 18 hits in 17 1-3 innings.

Prior to his outing against the Giants, Stammen gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings of a 6-1 loss to the Mets.

Adam Dunn hit his 17th home run of the season Saturday, giving him three homers in his last four games versus New York. He's 4 for 20 with two home runs lifetime versus Hernandez.