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Santana, Haren face off in series finale

May 4, 2008 - 2:42 PM NY Mets (15-13) at Arizona (21-9) 4:10 pm EDT

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The acquisition of Johan Santana was supposed to make the New York Mets the team to beat in the National League. So far, however, the trade for Dan Haren has helped give the Arizona Diamondbacks that distinction.

The Diamondbacks seek a home series win against the Mets for the first time in over four years when the teams conclude their three-game weekend series on Sunday.

A victory on Sunday would give the Diamondbacks a series win at home against the Mets for the first time since taking two of three from August 8-10, 2003.

Arizona acquired Haren (4-1, 3.13 ERA) from Oakland for six prospects last December while New York traded four players to Minnesota in February in return for the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Santana (3-2, 3.12).

While an inconsistent bullpen and injuries have contributed to the Mets' early struggles, Haren has combined with Brandon Webb and Micah Owings to pitch the Diamondbacks to 15 of their league-leading 21 wins this season.

One of those wins came in Monday's 5-3 victory against the Houston Astros when the righthander permitted three runs and five hits over 7 2/3 innings, striking out five.

Santana saw his streak of winning two straight starts halted with a no-decision in Tuesday's 5-4 extra-inning victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The lefthander allowed two runs and two hits over 5 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out seven.

Santana is 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA in his two career starts against the Diamondbacks - both as a member of the Minnesota Twins.