Buck homers to back Gee, but Mets fall

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Mets used two home runs to build an early four-run lead, but the Marlins chipped back and relied on a sacrifice fly to rally to a 6-4 victory on Sunday at Roger Dean Stadium.

Kevin Kouzmanoff added a home run for Miami in the seventh inning. On Friday, he also connected on a two-run homer in the ninth inning against the Twins.

After falling behind by four runs, the Marlins claimed a 5-4 advantage with three runs in the sixth inning. Gorkys Hernandez and Christian Yelich each hit RBI doubles, and Kyle Skipworth's sacrifice fly gave Miami the edge.

Powered by two home runs in the third inning, the Mets claimed a 4-0 lead. Brandon Hicks connected on a solo shot, and former Marlin John Buck blasted a three-run homer.

Both starters were stretched to more than two innings.

Dillon Gee threw three scoreless innings for New York. The right-hander, who hurled 50 pitches, received a lift from center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who made a diving catch in center field to rob Juan Pierre of extra bases to lead off the first inning.

Marlins starter Nathan Eovaldi was impressive in his first two innings, but he was hurt by a home run and a two-out walk, which set the stage for the Met's four-run third.

Eovaldi retired the first seven batters he faced, striking out four. But with one out in the third inning, the right-hander was victimized by Hicks' home run, which came on an 0-2 pitch. Josh Satin then slapped a single. And with two outs, Eovaldi walked Omar Quintanilla, which proved costly.

Eovaldi was lifted after 47 pitches, and Tom Koehler entered with two inherited baserunners. Facing his former teammate Buck, Koehler surrendered a three-run homer.

In the fifth inning, the Marlins trimmed their deficit to 4-2 on Adeiny Hechavarria's two-run double.

Up next: With Frank Francisco looking more and more unlikely for Opening Day, Bobby Parnell continues to receive regular work at closer. Parnell is scheduled to pitch another ninth inning Monday in the Mets' 1:10 p.m. ET game against the Braves at Tradition Field. Right-hander Jeremy Hefner will start for the Mets, opposite Tim Hudson.