MLB: Florida 3, New York 0

MIAMI, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Josh Beckett pitched eight scoreless innings Wednesday night and Paul Lo Duca hit a two-run homer as Florida blanked the New York Mets, 3-0.

Beckett (7-8) allowed four hits and struck out nine in winning for the third time in four starts. He also shut out the Mets last Tuesday while giving up six hits.

Florida has won nine straight, equaling an eight-year old team record.

The Marlins are in the midst of the chase for the NL wild card berth and will play a crucial four-game series with the Chicago Cubs this weekend.

The loss went to Jae Seo (4-9), who allowed only five hits and two earned runs over five innings.

New York has lost 11 straight and 16 of 17.