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Slumping Mets look to rebound from heartbreaking loss

Sep 21, 2007 - 1:56 PM NY Mets (84-68) at Florida (66-87) 7:05 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The first-place New York Mets certainly have not looked like a postseason team of late. Meanwhile, the last-place Florida Marlins still may have a say in the National League playoff picture.

The reeling Mets look to bounce back from a devastating loss when they visit the Marlins on Friday.

New York, which owned a seven-game cushion in the NL East Division on September 12, has dropped six of seven contests since then. Conversely, the Philadelphia Phillies (83-70) have won seven of eight games over that stretch to pull within 1 1/2 games of the Mets.

The Mets plated four runs in the top of the ninth inning Thursday to grab a three-run lead. But the Marlins rallied for three runs in the bottom of the frame and won on Dan Uggla's game-winning RBI double in the 10th, completing an improbable 8-7 triumph.

The loss was especially painful for the Mets, who were without the services of injured closer Billy Wagner. The All-Star lefthander was sidelined unexpectedly with back spasms, forcing manager Willie Randolph to use a committee of relievers in the ninth and 10th innings.

A day later, Randolph will give the ball to another proven veteran, three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez (2-0, 1.69 ERA).

After being sidelined for most of the campaign while recovering from offseason rotator cuff surgery, Martinez has been outstanding since returning to the mound. In three starts this season, the 35-year-old has surrendered four runs - three earned - and 18 hits while striking out 17 in 16 innings.

Martinez dominated the Phillies during his last start despite not factoring in the decision. The righthander allowed just one run over six strong innings, but Philadelphia rallied for a 5-3 victory on Saturday.

Florida counters with Scott Olsen (9-14, 6.06), who looks to end a personal five-game losing streak. The 23-year-old lefthander was dismal in his last start, allowing six runs and eight hits over only two innings on Sunday.