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Reeling Mets host Rangers in series opener

Jun 13, 2008 - 4:18 PM Texas (34-34) at NY Mets (31-34), 7:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The slumping New York Mets hope to rebound from a heartbreaking loss when they host the Texas Rangers in Friday's opener of a three-game interleague series.

A preseason favorite to contend for the National League pennant, the Mets have gotten off to an awful start this year and are 7 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the NL East.

The underachieving Mets have drawn heavy criticism from their fans and the New York media, throwing manager Willie Randolph's job security into jeopardy.

New York's disappointing season took another sour turn Thursday, when the Mets squandered a four-run lead en route to a 5-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Billy Wagner blew his third straight save opportunity, allowing two runs in the ninth inning and spoiling seven scoreless frames from starter Johan Santana. The Diamondbacks won in the 10th on Miguel Montero's sacrifice fly.

One day later, the Mets give the ball to struggling lefthander Oliver Perez (4-4, 5.37 ERA), who has gone four starts without a win. Perez has posted a 6.54 ERA over his last 11 starts.

The Rangers counter with Scott Feldman (1-2, 4.31), who also is looking to end a long winless drought. The righthander has not recorded a victory since May 9 vs. Oakland, a span of five straight outings.

Texas had a three-game winning streak snapped Thursday with a 6-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals.