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Mets hope to bounce back versus Nationals

Apr 9, 2011 - 2:40 PM (Sports Network) - The offense for the New York Mets has lacked punch the last two games. The team has given up 27 runs in the last three contests, all losses.

The Mets turn to Chris Capuano tonight to hopefully right the ship as they continue a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. Capuano pitched in relief in last Sunday's 9-2 victory over Florida. He gave up one run and three hits in two-thirds of an inning. The lefty is 1-2 with a 3.58 ERA in four starts against Washington.

Countering for the Nats will be southpaw Tom Gorzelanny, as he makes his first appearance of the season. In 2010, Gorzelanny compiled a 7-9 record with a 4.09 ERA in 29 games (23 starts) pitching for the Chicago Cubs. He was traded to the Nats in the offseason.

Over nine career games (five starts) against the Mets, Gorzelanny has fashioned a 2-3 record with a high 5.11 ERA.

New York suffered a 6-2 loss on Friday. Ivan Rodriguez's two-run single highlighted a three-run eighth inning for the Nationals, spoiling the Mets' 2011 opener at Citi Field. Rick Ankiel collected three hits and scored twice for Washington.

New York finished 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

"I think there's a couple guys trying to do too much and we just got to do a better job of making solid contact," said Mets manager Terry Collins.

Jordan Zimmermann gave up two runs on six hits and struck out four in 5 1/3 innings. He also stroked a two-run single.

Mets starter R.A. Dickey allowed three runs on six hits and five walks over five full frames.

Washington prevailed in five of their nine encounters with New York at Citi Field a year ago, with the two NL East foes splitting 18 overall meetings in the season series.