Mets look to break out the bats against Marlins

In search of some consistency from their lineup, the visiting New York Mets will look to clinch their first series win of the year when they meet the Miami Marlins on Wednesday.

The Mets tallied just five hits in their 4-2 loss to Miami on Tuesday, marking the fourth time in five games that New York has scored three runs or less. Brandon Nimmo hit a solo home run, but New York struggled to find its rhythm at the plate -- an area of concern for Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.

"We didn't have many good at-bats tonight," Mendoza said. "We couldn't create opportunities until it was too late. We didn't get much going and didn't hit many balls hard."

Shortstop Francisco Lindor has been at the forefront of the Mets' offensive struggles, beginning the year 1-for-15 and getting his first hit on Tuesday. Compounding his lackluster start to the season, the usually reliable fielder committed a pair of errors, including a boot that led to Miami's go-ahead run.

"I felt like we played a clean game except two pitches, my two ground balls," Lindor said. "I take a lot of pride in it, and it doesn't feel good. ... I will just have to work at it, go out there tomorrow and make sure it doesn't happen again."

New York's pitching staff has been a bright spot with an ERA of 2.36. Aiming to continue that trend, Clay Holmes (0-1, 3.86 ERA) will get his second start of the season after allowing two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in a 3-1 Opening Day loss to the Houston Astros. A two-time All-Star reliever with the Yankees, Holmes is starting just his second game since 2018 -- his rookie year with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In nine career appearances against Miami, Holmes has allowed four earned runs in 10 innings.

Winners in four of six games, the Marlins are off to their best start to a season since 2020, when they began the year 7-1 and advanced to the National League Division Series. Coming off a 100-loss 2024 campaign, the projected last-place NL East finishers will vie to keep the momentum going.

"It's been all about the fight we got," said Marlins reliever Anthony Bender, who picked up the save on Tuesday. "We're all fighting. It's been fun to watch from the bullpen, and when they call your name, going out and doing your part. It's been a good time."

Despite an 0-for-3 showing on Tuesday, Miami second baseman Otto Lopez has paced the offense, connecting on a pair of home runs and putting up six RBIs -- both team highs.

On the mound for the Marlins on Wednesday will be right-hander Connor Gillispie (0-1, 5.40 ERA). He will make his second career start following a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, in which he allowed four runs (three earned) in five innings.

After eight innings pitched for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024, Gillispie was claimed off waivers by Miami and will be relied on as part of the rotation, at least in the early part of the season.

--Field Level Media