Better starter, better closer and stronger offense. The Mets hold those edges against the Marlins.

Noah Syndergaard is coming around for the Mets, who finally figured out to start catcher Tomas Nido when Syndergaard pitches. Syndergaard is having a down year, but has shown signs of coming around. Talent isn't the issue with him. That's where the steadying influence of Nido helps.

It is better for the Mets they go with Nido's defense rather than Wilson Ramos' offense when Syndergaard is on the mound. New York has won the past four times Syndergaard has pitched.

Syndergaard has been dominating versus the Marlins going 6-1 with a 1.74 ERA in nine starts against them spanning 62 innings. Edwin Diaz gives New York an edge at closer.

The Mets average one run more per game than the Marlins, who are starting rookie Zac Gallen.

This will be Gallen's fourth big league start. He allowed three runs in five innings in a loss to the Nationals during his previous start on June 26. Gallen has potential and the Marlins are willing to live with his mistakes as he gains major league experience. Marlins manager Don Mattingly admitted this saying about Gallen, "There's going to be a learning curve from game to game."

The Marlins have lost 12 of their last 17 home games.