New York @ Washington preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 27, 2013 ) NY Mets 1, Washington 4

The Washington Nationals are attempting to climb back into postseason contention and can take another step in that direction by winning their first series in three weeks when they wrap up a four-game set with the visiting New York Mets on Sunday. The Nationals have won back-to-back games and three of four after losing their first six coming out of the All-Star break. Washington is three games under .500 and trails National League East leader Atlanta by 8 1/2 games.

The Mets pounded the Nationals 11-0 in the series opener and appeared on the verge of leapfrogging them into second place in the division, but their offense has produced one run in each of the last two losses. Third baseman David Wright had his sixth two-hit game in the last 10 and second baseman Daniel Murphy is 7-for-13 in the series and riding a seven-game hitting streak. Carlos Torres starts Sunday for New York, which is switching to a six-man rotation.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Carlos Torres (1-1, 0.94) vs. Nationals RH Taylor Jordan (0-3, 3.68)

Torres has made a nice transition to the starting rotation, allowing one run in each of his first two starts after opening the season with 10 relief appearances. He surrendered a leadoff homer his last time out but shut the door the rest of the way in his six-inning stint. Torres pitched two innings in relief against the Nationals on June 29, giving up one hit and striking out three.

Jordan is still in search of his first victory as he prepares to make his sixth major-league start. The 24-year-old Florida native had his longest outing last time out but also gave up a season-high five runs (four earned) in 7 2/3 innings of a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Jordan lost to the Mets 5-1 in his major-league debut on June 29, giving up one unearned run in 4 1/3 innings as the Nationals made three errors behind him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington has not won a series since sweeping three games from San Diego on July 5-7.

2. Mets LHP Jon Niese (rotator cuff) gave up four runs in two innings in a rehab start for the Gulf Coast League Mets on Saturday.

3. Nationals RHP Tyler Clippard registered his 15th consecutive scoreless appearance Saturday.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Nationals 3