New York @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 30, 2018 ) NY Mets 2, Miami 5

The New York Mets set a franchise record for the best start in history by ripping off 11 wins in their first 12 contests, including a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins. It's been a long slide since for New York, which has tumbled from first to worst in the National League East entering the finale of a three-game set at Miami on Sunday.

The Marlins, despite trotting out two pitchers making their first major-league starts, have won the first two games of the series to pull percentage points ahead of the Mets and out of last place in the division. Brian Anderson started Miami's comeback on Saturday by belting a two-run homer and J.T. Realmuto capped it with a two-run double as the Marlins won for the 11th time in 19 games. Meanwhile, ace Jacob deGrom was unable to protect a 2-0 lead for New York, which has the worst record in the NL after dropping its third in a row and 10th in 11 games. "That was not the goal when we came in. The goal was to have the best winning percentage," deGrom told reporters. "This is the complete opposite. Nobody is happy with that."

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (3-5, 3.69 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (3-3, 4.82)

Matz tied season highs for strikeouts and innings pitched on Tuesday against Pittsburgh but came away with a no-decision after fanning seven in seven frames of three-run ball. He has permitted three runs or fewer in six of his last seven outings, registering five quality starts in that span. Matz has fared well away from home, compiling a 2-2 record and 2.60 ERA in seven starts.

Straily, who returns after serving a five-game suspension, ended a six-start winless drought on Monday by limiting Arizona to three runs and four hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old was 0-3 over his previous five starts, giving up 17 runs over 20 innings. Straily is 1-1 with a 3.04 ERA in five starts versus the Mets but he pitched six innings of one-run ball against them on May 23.

WALK-OFFS

1. Realmuto, who returned to the lineup Friday after missing four games, has hit safely in his last eight contests.

2. The Mets finished the month with a 5-21 record, the worst June in franchise history.

3. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro is 11-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Mets 4