Mets-Marlins Preview: New York Looking To Improve to 2-0 Against Florida

The Mets will try and win the first two games of the season on Wednesday as they face Ricky Nolasco and the Marlins at Citi Field.

Coming off of a fine win on Monday against nemisis Josh Johnson, the Mets will have to face a pitcher who ended his 2009 season with a 16-strikeout performance against the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 30 and had a pretty decent spring training.

Nolasco this spring posted a 1.78 ERA and struck out 21 in 25 1/3 innings. Meanwhile the Mets will send John Maine to the mound who, along with Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez, is trying to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 campaign marred by injuries to his pitching shoulder.

Last season, Maine started only 15 games and went 7-6 with a 4.43 ERA, and he hasn't had a decent season since his 15-win breakout in 2007. The Mets must get good pitching out of the "other three" including Maine if they wish to both play like they did Monday and contend in the National League this season.

Pitching Splits

John Maine vs. Florida (career) 5-2, 3.12 ERA, 57.2 IP, 36 hits, 21 BB, 64 SO

Ricky Nolasco vs. New York (career) 3-6, 5.99 ERA, 70.2 IP, 89 hits, 19 BB, 65 SO

2010 Season Series (New York vs. Florida)

April 5: New York 7, Florida 1

Mets lead series 1-0