The Mets will try to overtake the second-place Marlins in the NL East race starting tonight when Oliver Perez (pictured) opens a three-game series at Shea Stadium by taking on Floridaâs Ricky Nolasco. Jerry Manuelâs club is just a half-game behind the Marlins and two games behind the first-place Phillies after taking two of three at home against the Padres earlier this week.
Perez is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA against the Marlins in three starts this season, including a win in Miami on July 29. Nolasco, meanwhile is 2-0 against the Mets in his past four starts dating to the 2006 season.
As for Manuelâs lineup, impressive-looking rookie Daniel Murphy gets another start in left while Brian Schneider gets the nod behind the plate with Ramon Castro sidelined by a sprained ankle.
Here is the entire lineup for the 60-54 Mets:
Jose Reyes SS
Daniel Murphy LF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Delgado 1B
Carlos Beltran CF
Fernando Tatis RF
Damion Easley 2B
Brian Schneider C
Oliver Perez LHP (7-7, 4.12)
The 61-54 Marlins will counter with:
Hanley Ramirez SS
Jeremy Hermida RF
Jorge Cantu 1B
Josh Willingham LF
Dan Uggla 2B
Wes Helms 3B
Cody Ross CF
John Baker C
Ricky Nolasco RHP (11-6, 3.91)
