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Mets continue to fight for playoff spot

Sep 26, 2008 - 10:24 AM Florida (82-76) at NY Mets (88-71), 7:10 pm EDT

FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- With a stirring win in the series finale against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, the New York Mets bought themselves another day to fight for a spot in the National League playoffs.

Looking to snap a tie with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL wild-card race, the Mets open the last three-game series of the regular season - and in Shea Stadium's history - against the Florida Marlins on Friday.

Inclement weather could cause a disturbance in the series since the National Weather Service's forecast suggests there is a 90 percent chance of heavy rain for Friday and a 70 percent chance on Saturday.

The Marlins' series finale against the Washington Nationals was canceled due to rain, and will not be made up because neither team factors in the playoff picture.

The Brewers (87-71) have only the wild card to turn to since the Cubs (96-62) have clinched the Central. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies (89-70) own a one-game lead over New York in the East.

"I believe we're ready to go ahead and take off," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said to the New York Daily News. "I really believe that. I would be pretty surprised if we come out and not perform (this weekend). I don't think our fans would let us perform any other way."

Bitter memories from last season's historic collapse suggest otherwise, though. The Mets squandered a seven-game lead in 17 days to close the year, leaving them out of the playoffs and without a chance to avenge their heartbreaking loss in Game Seven of the 2006 NL Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Outcomes like the 9-6, 10-inning loss to the Cubs on Wednesday have made things difficult for the Mets, and a lot easier for the Brewers.

Mike Pelfrey (13-10, 3.70 ERA) takes the mound for New York with hopes of notching his first win in September. The 24-year-old righthander has not been on the winning end of a start since August 25, when he threw a complete game against the Houston Astros, allowing one run and six hits.

Pelfrey has held opponents to three runs or less in eight of his last 10 outings.

Florida counters with 22-year-old Chris Volstad (5-4, 3.10), who has surrendered two runs or less in six of his last nine starts.

The Mets are 9-6 against the Marlins, including 4-2 at Shea.