Mets-Marlins Preview

The New York Mets' bullpen continues to blow leads down the stretch of a tight pennant race. With Pedro Martinez set to take the mound, their relievers probably aren't in line for a break.

After another frustrating loss, the Mets hand the ball to Martinez as they try to keep sole possession of first place in the NL East as they play the decisive game of a three-game set with the Florida Marlins on Sunday.

New York (75-61) had its NL East lead over Philadelphia trimmed to one game Saturday night, thanks to another bullpen meltdown. Aaron Heilman issued a bases-loaded walk to Josh Willingham in the ninth inning, giving Florida (69-67) a 4-3 win in the middle game of this series.

The Mets' bullpen, with closer Billy Wagner (forearm) currently on the disabled list, is second in the NL with 24 blown saves and has botched 11 of 26 save opportunities since the All-Star break.

"We do probably have to find out what we can do to be a little more consistent than we have been," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.

New York's bullpen has a 5.69 ERA since July 21, and Duaner Sanchez said his fellow relievers are frustrated by their struggles.

"There's nothing you can do about it," he said. "You just have to keep working, working, working, and eventually it's going to turn around."

Martinez (4-3, 5.22 ERA), limited to 15 starts due to a left hamstring strain, has not given the Mets' bullpen much of a break. The veteran right-hander is averaging 5.4 innings per start.

Martinez has posted a 6.75 ERA in his last two outings, but did not receive a decision in either contest. He struck out eight against Philadelphia on Tuesday night, but gave up five runs and seven hits in five innings as New York lost 8-7 in 13 innings.

Martinez is 6-6 with a 3.08 ERA in 18 starts and four relief appearances versus the Marlins.

Florida will counter with Scott Olsen (6-8, 4.19 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 6.32 ERA in three starts against the Mets this season. He is 1-4 with a 4.52 ERA in 11 career starts against them.

The left-hander is 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA in his last four starts. He allowed four runs and five hits in 5 1-3 innings as Florida lost 10-9 to Atlanta on Tuesday night.

Olsen will be trying to help the Marlins close within five games of the Mets in the NL East, a day after avoiding slipping to .500 for the first time since they were 3-3. Florida is also seeking consecutive victories for the first time since July 30-31.

"This team really needed a win," Willingham said. "We've got to come out Sunday and win, too. We can't lose that many more games, and we know that."

With closer Kevin Gregg taking a break to rest a sore left knee, the Marlins bullpen responded as three relievers combined for three scoreless innings Saturday.

Matt Lindstrom, who will get many of the save opportunities with Gregg out, earned the win after retiring New York's final two batters.