MIAMI -- The New York Mets begin a critical series against the
Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.21 ERA) opposes left-hander Adam Conley (6-5, 3.61) in the series opener.
The Mets enter the weekend in third place in the National League East, trailing the Washington Nationals by six games and Marlins by 1½ games. Miami (52-43) currently occupies the second wild-card slot. The St. Louis Cardinals (51-44) also are ahead of the Mets (50-44).