New York @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2014 ) NY Mets 1, Milwaukee 9

A recent hot streak has boosted Milwaukee atop the National League standings and the Brewers attempt to win their fifth straight game when they host the New York Mets on Friday. Milwaukee (58-45) overtook San Francisco for the league’s best record by routing New York 9-1 in the opener for its sixth victory in eight games. Ryan Braun, Khris Davis and Jonathan Lucroy each homered Thursday to give the Brewers nine over their last three games.

New York is 3-4 on a 10-game road excursion and a homer by Lucas Duda supplied its only run in the opener. The Mets are just 23-31 away from home and dropped into fourth place in the NL East with the series-opening defeat. Braun has been a key figure in Milwaukee’s hot streak and is 18-for-47 with three homers and 11 RBIs during a 12-game hitting streak.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (5-8, 3.78 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (5-5, 3.79)

Wheeler has allowed just one run in each of his last four outings while going 2-0 with two no-decisions. He struck out seven and gave up eight hits in six innings while taking a no-decision against San Diego on Sunday. Wheeler beat Milwaukee last season when he gave up three runs (one earned) and seven hits in five innings.

Gallardo is 0-1 in five starts since last winning on June 19. He wasn’t involved in the decision in his last turn as he gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings against Washington. Gallardo is 4-3 with a 3.64 ERA in nine career starts against the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets SS Ruben Tejada was held out of the opener one day after being beaned in the head and hopes to return later in the series.

2. Brewers 2B Scooter Gennett (quadriceps) has missed consecutive games and is questionable for Friday’s contest.

3. New York 2B Daniel Murphy (6-for-15) and 1B Lucas Duda (5-for-10, two homers) have fared well against Gallardo.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Mets 4