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Mets looking to end five-game slide

May 24, 2008 - 1:06 PM NY Mets (22-24) at Colorado (19-29) 3:55 pm EDT

DENVER (Ticker) - The New York Mets will look to avoid extending their season-long five-game losing streak Saturday when they face the Colorado Rockies in the middle contest of a three-game series.

The Mets started their road trip with back-to-back wins over the rival New York Yankees after rain postponed the series opener, but have since lost five in a row - including a crushing 6-5 extra-inning setback to the Rockies on Friday.

Billy Wagner, who entered Friday's contest with nine saves in as many chances and a 0.00 ERA, relinquished a game-tying home run to Matt Holliday in the ninth.

The reigning National League MVP, Holliday struck again in the 13th frame as he delivered the game-winning RBI single, plating speedy Jon Herrera from second to help Colorado avoid a third loss in a row.

Holliday, who had not homered since May 9, is now batting .320 with seven blasts and 24 RBI on the season.

New York hopes righthander John Maine (5-3, 3.29 ERA) can reverse its fortunes in this one. He surrendered four runs and eight hits with three walks over four frames in Tuesday's 6-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Colorado, which is seeking its fifth win in seven games, will counter with lefthander Jeff Francis (1-4, 5.87).

Francis is coming off his first win of the campaign, allowing two runs and six hits with seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings during Sunday's 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.