The Mets and Jerry Manuel (pictured) try to maintain their lead in the NL East tonight when they take on the third-place Marlins behind John Maine in the opener of a three-game series at Dolphin Stadium. Manuel is sticking with the red-hot Carlos Delgado in the clean-up spot, dropping Carlos Beltran to fifth. Speaking to reporters before the game, Manuel shot down speculation that Beltran could get at-bats in the No. 2 spot, with Manuel saying he doesn’t want to weaken the bottom half of the order.

Maine has won each of his past three decisions against the Marlins but has just one victory overall since June 25. Florida starter Ricky Nolasco, meanwhile, is 2-0 in three starts against the Mets since 2006.

Here is the lineup for the 57-48 Mets:

Jose Reyes SS

Endy Chavez RF

David Wright 3B

Carlos Delgado 1B

Carlos Beltran CF

Fernando Tatis LF

Damion Easley 2B

Brian Schneider C

John Maine RHP (9-7, 4.20)

The 55-50 Marlins will counter with:

Hanley Ramirez SS

Jeremy Hermida RF

Jorge Cantu 3B

Josh Willingham LF

Dan Uggla 2B

Mike Jacobs 1B

Cody Ross CF

John Baker C

Ricky Nolasco RHP (10-6, 3.99)