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Marlins target even mark against Mets

Aug 2, 2011 - 3:04 PM (Sports Network) - The Florida Marlins try to get to .500 for the first time since June 12 this evening when they play the second test of a three-game series with the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Florida pulled within a game of the break even mark on Monday, as Mike Stanton hit a grand slam in the top of the 10th inning, propelling the Marlins to a 7-3 win.

The Marlins used three straight singles from Gaby Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez and DeWayne Wise to load the bases, and Stanton cracked a 3-2 cutter from Jason Isringhausen over the left field wall for his second career grand slam.

"I was just trying to make sure I put the ball in play," Stanton said. "With a guy on third and less than two out, you have to put the ball in play, especially in that situation."

Omar Infante collected three hits, including a triple, and Sanchez added a pair of RBI for the Marlins, who have won seven of their last nine games.

Leo Nunez (1-2) gave up the lead in the ninth, but picked up the win courtesy of Stanton's moonshot. He also absorbed his fourth blown save of the season.

Isringhausen (2-1) was tagged with the loss for the Mets, who have lost three consecutive games.

"When I made good pitches I got people out, when I made bad pitches I didn't," Isringhausen said of his rough outing. "It was just one of those nights."

Lucas Duda and Jason Bay smacked home runs for New York, while David Wright was 0-for-3 in his first game at home since May 8. Wright is still batting .426 with 12 RBI in 11 games since coming off the disabled list.

Tonight, the Marlins turn to lefty Brad Hand, who is 1-3 with a 2.73 ERA. Hand did not get a decision on Thursday against Washington, as he allowed just a run and three hits, but walked six batters in 3 2/3 innings.

Hand has never faced the Mets, who will pin their hopes on lefty Chris Capuano.

Capuano improved to 9-10 on the year on Thursday despite a shaky outing that saw him allow six runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. He also walked three batters and saw his ERA rise to 4.51.

Capuano lost to the Marlins the last time he faced them and is 4-4 with a 3.60 ERA in 11 games, 10 of which have been starts.

The Marlins are 6-3 versus the Mets this season.