New York @ Los Angeles preview
Dodger Stadium
Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2013 ) NY Mets 2, LA Dodgers 4
The Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to complete a sweep and extend their winning streak to eight games when they host the New York Mets in the finale of their three-game set Wednesday. Los Angeles posted identical 4-2 victories in the first two contests to remain unbeaten in its last 16 series (12-0-4). The Dodgers, who own a 7 1/2-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West, have gone 39-8 since June 22, when they were 10 games under the .500 mark.
Nick Punto hit a go-ahead two-run double Tuesday and A.J. Ellis plated a pair with a single as Los Angeles improved to 22-2 since the All-Star break. The loss was the eighth in nine meetings for the Mets, who fell to 2-3 on their 11-game road trip. Los Angeles shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who has not started since Aug. 4 due to a jammed right shoulder, is expected back in the lineup Wednesday.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Dillon Gee (8-8, 3.82 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Chris Capuano (4-6, 4.50)
Gee posted his third win in four decisions Thursday, when he limited the Colorado Rockies to one run in 7 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old has allowed fewer than two runs in four of his last five starts but is just 2-1 in that span. Gee has yet to defeat Los Angeles, going 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA in three career outings.
It's been feast or famine against Capuano lately as the left-hander has held the opposition scoreless in five of his last nine starts while allowing five earned runs in each of the other four outings. The 34-year-old former Met escaped with a no-decision against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday after surrendering six runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings. Capuano has not fared well versus New York, going 1-5 with a 5.53 ERA in seven career starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers OF Andre Either was scratched Tuesday due to tightness in his left calf.
2. Los Angeles RHP Brian Wilson took another step toward his return to the majors by throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings for Triple-A Albuquerque in a rehab outing Tuesday.
3. New York rookie 3B Wilmer Flores missed Tuesday's game with a twisted right ankle and could land on the disabled list.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 2, Mets 1