FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- The Florida Marlins try to reclaim first place in the National League East on Friday when they open a three-game series against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

The Marlins have lost eight of their last 12 games are are tied with the Atlanta Braves, one game behind the Mets for first place in the NL East. New York has won six of its last nine games and snapped a three-game slide with a 1-0 victory at Philadelphia on Thursday.

The Mets got another solid start from Steve Trachsel, who pitched six scoreless innings, but the victory went to reliever Scott Strickland after Mark Johnson hit an RBI double in the ninth inning.

New York's offense continued to struggle, managing just one run on seven hits. The Mets have scored just six runs in their last four games.

Shawn Estes (2-4, 4.33 ERA) tries to win consecutive starts for the first time this season. He won in San Diego on Saturday, allowing just two runs and seven hits in six innings. Estes makes his first start at Shea Stadium on May 8. He is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in four home starts this season.

The 29-year-old lefthander is 4-1 with a 3.26 ERA in nine career starts against the Marlins.

Florida, which is 2-4 on a 10-game road trip, counters with Josh Beckett (2-2, 3.09).

After losing his first two decisions, Beckett has won his last two starts, allowing three runs and four hits in 13 innings. He won in San Francisco on Sunday, giving up just one run and one hit in seven innings.

Beckett is 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA in three road starts this season. He is making his first career appearance against the Mets.