The Braves broke open a scoreless tie with a seven-run sixth inning and they sent the Mets to a 9-2 loss Wednesday afternoon. The win gave the Braves a split of the four-game series and marked the first time this year the Mets didn’t win a series.
Tylor Megill started off throwing five scoreless innings – the first four without a hit – before things fell apart in the sixth. But it was the fifth that in hindsight was the key frame. The first batter up reached via an error and the next batter singled, putting Megill in a jam right away. The third batter flew out to deep right, advancing the runner to third. Megill struck out the next two batters to keep the game tied. But the inning required 22 pitches and sent his total to 83.
Megill got the first batter in the sixth inning but the next three batters singled to load the bases and the Mets went to the bullpen. Buck Showalter has been very good about giving his relievers adequate rest. But not this time, as he called for Adam Ottavino for the third straight game. Ottavino allowed all three inherited runners to score and two of his own before being removed after just three batters. Trevor Williams allowed his inherited runner to score and one of his own before finally getting out of the inning.
Pete Alonso and Eduardo Escobar hit back-to-back doubles to get the Mets on the board in the sixth inning. But they had just two hits in the final three innings – one a homer by Luis Guillorme. It was way too little and too late.
Better than blowing a late lead, just lose and get it over with. Flush it and next.
I was pretty surprised to see Megill stay out there that long after the initial base runners in the sixth, especially with a rested Williams able to go several innings, but que sera, sera.
Gut Reaction : Ottavino didn’t have it. A reliever doesn’t pitch a clean inning every time out. Ottavino was pitching his third consecutive day. The two previous days the struck out 5 Braves in 6 outs. He had 8 scoreless appearances in10 games. It would be logical to bring him in, especially when he has done on 3 consecutive days 3X last year. But further research revealed that he had a 6.70 ERA in those 3X. It was a tough decision, with many factors to weigh. It just didn’t work out.
Another tough four games series with the Phillies on the road. The expected result is 2-2. LGM
Showalter’s explanation was he felt Ottavino had pitched little enough that he could go another inning and get them out of that predicament.
Buck’s first egregious misjudgment. A rested Williams was a great choice for that spot. Using Ottavino, after all the talk of not using guys on consecutive days if possible, was a “huh?” Why?
But the Braves would likely have scored some runs anyway… maybe game lost anyway.
My issue was sending Megill out for the sixth at all when it looked to me like he was cooked at 85 pitches. His pitches in the 5th lacked some authority and his body language appeared fatigued… how much more can you expect after 85 pitches? I think the move was Shreve, with Olson coming up, also no slouch against RHers…
Can’t win ’em all.