AP Baseball Preview: Marlins at Mets

NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Miami Marlins and New York Mets will play a split doubleheader Sunday at Citi Field, with the first game scheduled for 1:10 p.m. and the nightcap at 7:10 p.m. The forecast calls for 59 degrees and cloudy skies.

Both teams enter the twin bill near the bottom of the National League East. The Marlins (26-33) are coming off a 6-1 loss to the Mets on Saturday. The Mets (25-33) have won two straight in the series, including a 9-7, 10-inning victory Friday.

Right-hander Janson Junk (3-5, 4.88 ERA) is expected to start the opener for Miami. Right-hander Nolan McLean (2-4, 5.12 ERA) is listed for the second game. The Mets have not announced their probable pitchers.

Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips has been a key arm out of the bullpen. In his last outing Saturday, he allowed three earned runs on six hits over five innings in a loss to the Mets. Over his past seven appearances, Phillips has a 3.45 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings.

For the Mets, right-hander Christian Scott has been sharp. He earned the win Saturday, allowing one earned run on five hits with eight strikeouts over five innings against Miami. In his past five starts, Scott has a 2.87 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 24 innings.

In Saturday’s win, designated hitter Jared Young went 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI for New York. Miami’s Liam Hicks drove in the Marlins’ lone run with a 3-for-4 day, including an RBI single.

The Mets are installed as the betting favorite with a run line of -1.5. The over/under is set at 7 runs. The Interstat game simulator projects a 4-2 Marlins win.

After Sunday, the Marlins travel to Washington for a three-game series beginning Monday. The Mets head to Seattle for a three-game set starting Monday.