The New York Mets couldn't complete its sweep over the Colorado Rockies but have won both series against under-.500 teams in May.
Do you remember what happened the last time the New York Mets faced the Arizona Diamondbacks back in April?
Not only did the Mets lose the series 2-1, but it marked the beginning of its 12-game losing streak, the franchise’s longest losing streak since 2002. New York won the series opener and was riding high on a four-game winning streak before Arizona defeated the club 7-2 in the middle game and 7-1 in the rubber match.
Mets rookie phenom right-hander Nolan McLean got the ball in the finale but took the loss despite pitching well. McLean tossed 6.1 innings of two-run ball on three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts, but he was outdueled by Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodriguez, who pitched six innings of one-run ball on five hits and two walks with three punchouts.
It won’t be a direct rematch, but both pitchers will pitch in the series, and McLean gets the start in the opener against Arizona’s Ryne Nelson.
McLean is 1-2 with a 2.97 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 51 strikeouts (tied-10th) through seven starts (39.1 innings). The 24-year-old was phenomenal in eight starts last season and while the league has adjusted to him a bit, he has still thrown the ball well.
McLean did turn in his worst start of the season his last time out, though, as he only pitched four innings and surrendered three runs on six hits and one walk with six punchouts against the Los Angeles Angels.
Nelson has struggled this season, posting a 1-3 record with a 6.61 ERA and 1.44 WHIP through seven starts (31.1 innings), but he was quite good his last time out against a formidable opponent.
Against the Chicago Cubs, Nelson threw 5.2 innings and allowed just one run on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts but still took the loss.
The Mets are catching the Diamondbacks at the perfect time, as Arizona has lost five of six to start the month while the Mets are coming off back-to-back series wins over the Angels and Colorado Rockies.
New York nearly swept the Rockies after winning the first two games of the series but the team blew an early 2-0 lead, and legendary right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel gave up a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning, losing 6-2.
Things may be looking up for the Mets and there is still plenty of time to get back in the playoff race after a disastrous start.
First pitch is at 9:40 p.m. EDT on MLB.TV and regional sports networks.