New York @ Minnesota preview

NY Mets at Minnesota

Last Meeting ( Apr 12, 2013 ) NY Mets 16, Minnesota 5

John Buck is doing a lot more than keeping the seat warm for a highly touted prospect. He’ll attempt to keep his historic pace going Saturday when the visiting New York Mets continue their three-game series with the Minnesota Twins. Buck, a journeyman catcher included in the R.A. Dickey trade that netted New York top prospect Travis d'Arnaud, hit a grand slam in Friday’s 16-5 rout. Buck is the first catcher and fourth major leaguer since 1921 to reach 19 RBIs in the first 10 games of a season.

The Twins scored as many runs Friday as they did while losing three straight to the Kansas City Royals. However, Minnesota has seen its starting pitching worked over in two of their four losses. Vance Worley allowed a career-high nine runs – seven earned – in one-plus inning in the series opener, two days after Mike Pelfrey yielded six runs in a two-inning outing.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), Fox Sports North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Matt Harvey (2-0, 0.64 ERA) vs. Twins LH Scott Diamond (2012: 12-9, 3.54)

After an impressive 10-game audition last season, Harvey has continued to dominate major-league hitters through two starts in 2013. The 24-year-old right-hander followed a 10-strikeout performance over seven frames against San Diego in his season debut with a nine-strikeout effort in seven innings in Monday’s 7-2 victory at Philadelphia. Harvey, who allowed a run and three hits against the Phillies, is 4-3 with a 2.98 ERA in seven career road starts, but will be facing an American League opponent for the first time.

Diamond will make his season debut after undergoing off-season surgery to remove a bone chip from his left elbow. The Ontario native was a revelation for the Twins early last season, winning seven of his first 10 decisions and carrying a 2.62 ERA into the All-Star break before falling off a bit during the second half. Collin Cowgill (3-for-3) is the only Met that has faced Diamond, who is 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA in five starts against National League teams.

WALK-OFFS

1. Buck's previous career high for RBIs in a month was 17.

2. The Twins have given up 16 first-inning runs in 10 games, the most in the majors.

3. The Mets are the only team to homer in every game.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Twins 1