The Mets struck out 17 times and the rare ABs where they made contact didn’t fare a lot better, as they fell to the Padres, 3-1, Saturday night in San Diego. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak.
The big story was Blake Snell, who absolutely dominated the Mets the first five innings. They put two runners on against him in the sixth with walks to Brandon Nimmo and Tommy Pham. But Francisco Lindor lined out to right field – the best-hit ball against Snell all game – and Pete Alonso grounded out to short to end the threat.
Francisco Alvarez hit a solo homer in the seventh inning for the Mets’ only run. Lindor led off the ninth with a line single to right off of Josh Hader. But the Padres’ closer struck out the next two batters, including Alonso’s third strikeout of the game, and then got Jeff McNeil on … wait for it … a ground ball to the second baseman to end the game.
David Peterson started for the Mets and didn’t pitch bad but had one inning that did him in. The big blow was a two-run homer. He finished the night with a line of 5.1 IP, 3 ER, 2 BB and 7 Ks. The Mets’ “B” relievers did a nice job, hurling 2.2 scoreless innings.
While Lindor had some good swings at the plate, he had a rare off day in the field, with two errors and two other balls that were ruled hits that he could have fielded. And it appears that Pham’s six weeks are up. He went 0-3 on the night and in his last five games is now 3-22.
Peterson gave them five and a chance to win. Alvarez continues to impress and it was about time that they moved his bat up in the order. Baty getting thrown out at second-are we the slowest team in baseball? Pham’s probably not done but remember that he is a backup player and after a period of time all backups show their flaws and why they are not starters. He’s had a great and important run and he’s likely not done. Three hits does not an offense make. Between McNeil and Marte, they could not get the ball out of the infield. Did not expect much against Snell or Hader but the two other relievers is where we should have gotten back into the game. Scherzer for the series win today
Gut Reaction: Peterson pitched alright, just like a fifth starter. The middle relievers did their job. Offense didn’t figure out a way to win. Alvarez is maturity has rapidly accelerated as a feared power threat. Last year the Giants cashed in on Ruf’s good first half. Maybe the Mets will cash in on Pham this year.
Today’s game is very important. Already the Mets have moved past the Cubs and Pirates and need to move past the Padres. The Padres, Brewers, Phillies and Giants are experienced playoff teams are will not be push overs. LGM