Philadelphia @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 10, 2013 ) NY Mets 3, Philadelphia 7

The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league the first month, losing eight of their last 11 games. The Phillies look to end their downward spiral when they open a three-game series at the New York Mets on Friday. Philadelphia gave up leads in the final three innings the last two days, adding to its misery. The Phillies are hitting only .249 as a team, but did pound Friday’s starting pitcher Dillon Gee for 10 hits and seven runs over three innings earlier this month.

New York has alternated wins and losses in the last six games, dropping two of three to the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week. The Mets continue to surprise on offense and are averaging 5.5 runs, led by John Buck. The veteran catcher has seven homers while captain David Wright and Daniel Murphy are also off to productive starts.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WPHL (Philadelphia), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Kyle Kendrick (1-1, 3.28 ERA) vs. Mets RH Dillon Gee (1-3, 5.95)

Kendrick has allowed two runs over 13 innings in his last two starts without a reward. His only victory was against the Mets on April 10, when he gave up two runs and eight hits in six innings. Kendrick has struck out 19 and walked seven. The right-hander is 6-7 lifetime against the Mets with a 3.52 ERA over 87 innings. Wright is 11-for-34 with a pair of homers against Kendrick.

Gee’s first and last start were solid, allowing one run over 12 innings. In between, the right-hander surrendered 12 runs in 7 2/3 frames. Gee beat Washington in his last outing, shutting out the Nationals in 5 2/3 innings. He is 2-2 against Philadelphia with a 7.75 ERA in 33 2/3 innings. Ryan Howard has belted three homers in nine career at-bats against Gee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia closer Jonathan Papelbon is 55-for-55 in save opportunities during the month of April in his career.

2. Buck, who got a day off Thursday, is four shy of Jeff Kent’s club record of 26 RBIs in April, set in 1994.

3. Phillies OF Laynce Nix had a major league-best six pinch hits through Wednesday’s games, including two homers and five RBIs.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Mets 4