New York @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 16, 2012 ) NY Mets 0, Milwaukee 3

After taking their home fans on a wild thrill ride before falling short in a 15-inning marathon, the New York Mets will begin a nine-game road trip Friday by visiting the reeling Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets received dramatic home runs by Anthony Recker and Kirk Nieuwenhuis in the 13th and 14th innings, respectively, only to drop a 5-4 decision in 15 innings Thursday. The loss was the second straight for New York, which had won 11 of its previous 17.

With an exhausted bullpen, the Mets would be overjoyed if promising right-hander Zack Wheeler could pitch deep into the opener of the three-game set. The Brewers, who split their four-game series with Washington, have dropped seven of nine to careen into the basement in the National League Central. Leadoff hitter Norichika Aoki went 8-for-20 with three RBIs in the series versus the Nationals.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (1-1, 5.06 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Johnny Hellweg (0-1, 20.25)

After a strong showing in his major-league debut June 18, Wheeler has struggled in his last two outings. The 23-year-old followed up a four-run effort versus the Chicago White Sox with a five-run performance against Washington on Sunday. A lack of control has hindered Wheeler, who has surrendered three homers in his last two starts and 10 walks overall.

Wheeler isn't the only one struggling over his last two outings as Hellweg has lasted a total of 2 2/3 innings in his last two trips to the mound. The 24-year-old's first major-league start dissolved quickly as he allowed seven runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings against Pittsburgh. A relief appearance was next on the menu for Hellweg, who yielded two runs on as many hits in one inning versus Washington on Monday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers CF Carlos Gomez homered Thursday before being taken out of the game in a precautionary move by manager Ron Roenicke. Gomez, who was initially signed by the Mets, is expected to be in the lineup Friday.

2. New York 1B Josh Satin, who is riding a career-best 10-game hitting streak, has yet to face Milwaukee.

3. Seven of Wheeler's 14 hits allowed have gone for extra bases.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Mets 3