MLB Preview: Dodgers at Mets NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Dodgers, owners of the best record in baseball, open a three-game series against the slumping New York Mets on Friday at 7:10 p.m. at Citi Field. First pitch is expected under clear skies with temperatures near 73 degrees. The Dodgers (65-38) enter the game having won four of their last five, including a 9-5 victory Wednesday at Philadelphia. Catcher Dalton Rushing led the way in that contest, going 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs. It was a bright spot in an otherwise uneven month for the rookie, who has gone hitless in seven of his last nine games but broke out with a 3-for-5, one-RBI performance against Colorado on July 6. Rushing will look to build on his four-hit performance against the Phillies as Los Angeles seeks its ninth win in 11 games overall. The Dodgers swept a three-game series from the Mets in Los Angeles from April 13-15, outscoring New York 14-3. The Mets (43-60) are coming off a 4-3 loss Wednesday at Milwaukee and have dropped four of their last six. Right-hander Daniel Duarte, a player to watch for New York, made a scoreless relief appearance in that game, throwing 1 1/3 hitless innings with one strikeout. Duarte has been one of the few bright spots in a bullpen that has struggled to hold leads. New York has lost 10 of its last 14 and sits in last place in the National League East, 17 games behind the division-leading Atlanta Braves. The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-4 Dodgers victory. Los Angeles is a -1.5 run favorite in the betting market, with the over/under set at 8.5 total runs. Following Friday’s series opener, the teams will play again Saturday and Sunday at Citi Field. The Dodgers then return home for a six-game homestand against Seattle and Boston. The Mets host the Atlanta Braves for three games beginning Monday before welcoming the Miami Marlins for a three-game set.