Philadelphia @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 26, 2013 ) Philadelphia 4, NY Mets 0

The New York Mets have dipped under the .500 mark for the first time at 10-11 and their once red-hot offense has cooled off. New York looks to turn around its fortunes by sending Shaun Marcum to the mound for his season debut against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. The Mets are batting .173 the last five games, scoring two runs or fewer in four of them, and Mets manager Terry Collins shuffled his batting order before Friday’s 4-0 defeat in the first game of the series.

The Phillies didn’t exactly pound the ball in the first game of the series other than the four straight hits in sixth inning, capped by Ryan Howard’s three-run blast. Howard has two homers in three days after producing only one in his first 19 contests. Michael Young and Chase Utley continue to bat over .300 in front of Philadelphia’s slugger.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jonathan Pettibone (0-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. Mets RH Shaun Marcum (2012: 7-4, 3.70)

Pettibone pitched reasonably well in his first major-league start last Monday, allowing six hits and two runs over 5 1/3 innings without getting a decision. The 22-year-old struck out six and did not walk anyone, but did give up two home runs. The right-hander is replacing John Lannan, who is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Pettibone was a third-round pick of the Phillies in 2008.

Marcum makes his first start for the Mets after missing time with inflammation in his shoulder and neck during the preseason. The right-hander was 20-11 the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Mets are hoping the veteran can fill a need in the rotation behind Matt Harvey and Jon Niese. Howard is 4-for-8 against Marcum with three homers and seven RBIs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Howard has hit 36 career home runs against the Mets, the most of any active player.

2. The Mets are 8-1 when they have been in front after six innings and 8-0 with a lead after eight.

3. Phillies OF Delmon Young is 8-for-21 during his rehab stint in the minors as he recovers from right ankle surgery.

PREDICTION: Mets 6, Phillies 3