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Marlins turn to Hensley in makeup game with Mets

Jul 18, 2011 - 2:55 PM (Sports Network) - Clay Hensley makes his first start in almost three years this evening when the Florida Marlins play a makeup game with the New York Mets at Citi Field.

This contest was originally supposed to be played on May 17, but was postponed on an account of rain. It is the first of seven meetings over the next 17 days between the National League East rivals.

Hensley, who has been on the disabled list since early June with a shoulder sprain, has primarily been a reliever over the course of his six-year career, but has made a few spot starts, his last coming with the San Diego Padres back on July 24, 2008.

The 31-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched since losing to Arizona in a relief role back on June 1. He is 0-2 in 20 appearances this season and has pitched to a 3.60 earned run average.

Hensley has faced the Mets 15 times, twice as a starter, and has posted a 1-2 mark against them with a 4.38 ERA.

Florida has been one of the hottest teams in baseball of late and took three of four over the weekend from the Chicago Cubs, capping the series win on Sunday, as Logan Morrison's two-run single in the eighth inning was the difference in a 7-5 victory.

Florida starter Chris Volstad went just three innings, allowing four runs on six hits, but the Marlins bullpen pitched six strong innings in relief for the win. Edward Mujica (8-2) was credited with the victory by pitching a perfect seventh inning.

Greg Dobbs went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI as the Marlins won for the eighth time in nine games.

Leo Nunez pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 26th save of the year.

"They're understanding how to win and devoting full attention to the game. And they're having fun," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said of his team's turnaround.

The Mets, meanwhile, dropped two of three to the Philadelphia Phillies this past weekend, falling 8-5 on Sunday.

Ronny Paulino and Lucas Duda each posted two hits and an RBI apiece for the Mets, losers in five of seven. Daniel Murphy hit safely twice and scored a pair of runs.

Mike Pelfrey (5-9) was dented in defeat for six hits and four runs over five full frames.

Tonight, the Mets will turn to lefty Chris Capuano, who is 8-8 with a 4.12 ERA. Capuano lost his final start to San Francisco before the All-Star break, as he allowed two runs and four hits in six innings, but walked four.

Capuano has faced the Marlins nine times (eight starts) and is 4-2 with a 3.16 ERA against them.

Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is eligible to return from the disabled list this evening, but is not expected to be activated until Tuesday against St. Louis.