The Mets got a bunch of baserunners but were unable to come up with the big hit, as they fell to the Cardinals, 4-2, in the opener of a three-game set at Citi Field Friday night.
St. Louis came in as one of the worst HR-hitting teams in the majors but jumped out to a 4-0 lead thanks to two blasts, including a three-run homer in the second inning.
Meanwhile, the Mets had four doubles, which gave them lots of chances with runners in scoring position. Yet they were just 2-11 in those opportunities. And one of those did not plate a run.
Tomas Nido had a big day, with a double and a homer. J.D. Martinez, in his first game as a Met, also had two hits including a double. And Brandon Nimmo matched Martinez’ output.
Harrison Bader and Brett Baty batted seventh and eighth in the lineup and went a combined 0-6. Here’s hoping we don’t see them hitting back-to-back again anytime soon. Bader has one hit in his last 18 ABs, while Baty is 8-42 since April 9.
Jose Butto allowed both homers and took the loss.
Gut Reaction: Nido had a great game for him. After all, he is a career .556 OPS hitter. There are three holes in the back of the lineup, Bader-Baty-Nido. Those three holes are stressing the lineup.
The bullpen did their job allowing only one hit for three innings to keep the team close. The offense failed them.
I’d like to see Taylor in CF tomorrow instead of Bader. Baty… we have discussed.
I’d agree on giving Taylor a chance now and Bader sitting. Nice start by Martinez and kudos to the front end of the lineup for getting on base. Sticking with Butto. Great job in the pen as well. Just need to score more runs.