Miami @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 6, 2013 ) Miami 3, NY Mets 7

The New York Mets have a chance to win their first two series of the season for the first time since 2006 before leaving for a 10-game road trip. The Mets look to continue their hot hitting when they host the Miami Marlins in the finale of the three-game set Sunday. New York, which has scored 32 runs during a 3-2 start, faces 20-year-old pitcher Jose Fernandez in his major league debut. Veteran catcher John Buck has led the way for the Mets with eight hits and nine RBIs.

Fernandez, a Cuban defector, would become the youngest pitcher to appear in game for the Marlins in their history. The 6-3, 215-pound right-hander has been dominant in a little over one year in the minors, but has never pitched above Class A ball. Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton, who recorded his first multi-hit game Saturday, is still looking for his first homer.

TV: 1:10 p.m., Fox Sports Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (NR) vs. Mets LH Aaron Laffey (4-6, 4.56)

Fernandez was slated to start the season in the minors before starters Nathan Eovaldi and Henderson Alvarez were placed on the disabled list. He played his high school ball in Tampa before being selected 14th overall in the 2011 draft. Fernandez recorded 134 innings in Class A last year, playing at both Greensboro, N.C., and Jupiter, Fla., posting a 14-1 overall record with a 1.75 ERA and 158 strikeouts.

Laffey will pitch for his fifth team in four seasons and first in the National League. The left-hander also suited up for the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners before making 16 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2012. Right-handed hitters have batted .294 against Laffey in his career and lefties .262, including .239 in 2012. Miami’s Casey Kotchman is 9-for-12 against Laffey but he is out injured.

WALK-OFFS

1. Fernandez would be the third-youngest to play in a game for the Marlins behind Stanton and Miguel Cabrera.

2. Mets starters have been outstanding in the first five games, allowing only five earned runs in 32 innings.

3. Miami 1B Greg Dobbs has recorded a pair of RBIs in each of the first two games of the series.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Mets 3