Dickey hopes to deliver Mets a series win in finale with D'Backs

Knuckleball specialist R.A. Dickey has pitched well at home this season and today aims to give the New York Mets a series win against the Diamondbacks.

Dickey has won both his home start this year and has pitched to a 2.08 ERA at Citi Field. In his most recent start, which came on the road Monday at Houston, he allowed three hits and as many runs over six innings in a no- decision.

Over his career, he's faced Arizona just once, a loss in which he gave up seven hits and three runs over seven innings.

As good as Dickey's been at home, Trevor Cahill's been equally impressive on the road for Arizona. The righty is 2-0 with a 1.31 ERA in three road starts in 2012. That includes a victory on Tuesday at Washington when he limited the Nationals to a run over 7 1/3 innings. This will be his first time facing the Mets.

Yesterday, Johan Santana tossed seven strong innings to earn his first win since the 2010 season as the Mets earned a 4-3 win. Santana (1-2) scattered nine hits and three runs with a walk and five strikeouts for his first victory since September 2, 2010 at Atlanta.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner missed all of last season after having surgery on his shoulder.

"To get that first one in and out of the way is always good. I think any time you win a game it's definitely a good feeling," said Santana.

Andres Torres and Mike Nickeas each knocked in a pair of runs for the Mets, who snapped a four-game slide. Frank Francisco stranded the tying run on second base in the ninth to capture his sixth save of the year.

Patrick Corbin (1-1) allowed four runs on five hits and two walks through 3 1/3 innings to suffer the loss as Arizona dropped its third game in four tries.

"I think I was trying to be a little bit too perfect and trying to throw a perfect pitch instead of attacking them better," Corbin said about his performance.

New York and Arizona split six matchups a year ago.