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Mets hope for rebound from bullpen in series finale vs. Marlins

Aug 31, 2008 - 8:06 AM NY Mets (75-61) at Florida (69-67) 1:10 pm EDT

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Following yet another bullpen meltdown, the New York Mets attempt to claim a series win on Sunday when they face the Florida Marlins.

The Mets blew their 24th save this season in Saturday's 4-3 loss and have squandered 11 of their 26 save opportunities since the All-Star break, many of which have come with regular closer Billy Wagner on the disabled list with a strained left forearm.

The bullpen figures to get another chance to redeem itself when New York sends Pedro Martinez (4-3, 5.22 ERA) to the mound. The righthander has made only 15 starts this season due to a left hamstring strain and is averaging less than six innings per outing.

Martinez posted his second straight no-decision in Tuesday's 8-7, 13-inning setback at Philadelphia after he permitted five runs and seven hits over five innings.

The Marlins will counter with Scott Olsen (6-8, 4.19), who is 1-4 with a 4.52 ERA in 11 career starts against the Mets in his career.

The lefthander, who hasn't won since July 9, will hope to rebound from his last turn when he allowed four runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings in a 10-9 setback to Atlanta on Tuesday.

Florida is also seeking consecutive victories for the first time since July 30-31.