Marlins return to New York to face Mets in three-game series

NEW YORK — The Marlins return to New York for a three-game series starting tonight against the Mets at Citi Field (weather-permitting).

Last night, The Marlins fell to the Rays, 5-1, in St. Petersburg, as Dan Straily (1-3) took the loss, allowing four runs on three hits and five walks over five innings. The Marlins had seven hits, all singles, and were 1x9 with runners in scoring position, scoring their lone run in the ninth inning. Dee Gordon, who drove in that run with a single, was 2x4, the only Marlin with multiple hits. Tim Beckham hit two homers, both off Straily, and drove in four of Tampa Bay’s five runs.

Starting for Miami is right-hander Tom Koehler (1-1, 5.40), a New York native, who brings a 2-8, 4.56 career record vs. the Mets into tonight’s contest. He is 1-3, 5.58 in 10 games, nine starts, at Citi Field.

Starting for the Mets is right-hander Rafael Montero (0-2, 9.45), who has no decisions and a 2.50 ERA in 10 games (two starts) in his career vs. Miami.

This is the Marlins' third series vs. the Mets this season, their second at Citi Field. Miami is 5-2 vs. the Mets in 2017, 2-1 at Citi Field, and have a three-game winning streak against the Mets. Last season, Miami was just 7-12 vs. the Mets, 4-6 at Citi Field. All-time, the Marlins have gone 192-210 against the Mets, 92-110 on the road (34-43 at Citi Field). The Marlins have not had a winning season at Citi Field since 2011 (5-4) and have just two overall (6-3 in 2009).

On this trip, the Marlins played two in St. Petersburg against the Rays (1-1), and are scheduled for three here in New York before returning home for a nine-game homestand starting Monday night against St. Louis.

On the upcoming homestand, the Cardinals (May 8-10), Braves (May 12-14) and Astros (May 15-17) come to town.