Mets pitchers gave up six home runs and came out on the losing end of an 8-5 game Monday against the Rockies at Citi Field. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak and puts the Mets’ record at 48-45 as we reach the All-Star break.
Jose Quintana started and after two batters, he put the team in a 2-0 hole. But the Mets battled back, trying the game on a two-run homer by Pete Alonso and going ahead in the fourth inning thanks to a bases-loaded walk to Francisco Lindor.
But Quintana gave up a homer in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth before he was chased from the game. Phil Maton got the last out in the sixth. But Adrian Houser allowed three runs on two homers.
The Mets had their chances, getting the men on base in each of their last four trips to the plate. They were only able to cash in during the eighth inning, thanks to an RBI double by Jeff McNeil and a fielder’s choice RBI by Brandon Nimmo.
In the ninth inning, the Mets got two one-out singles. Tyrone Taylor looked bad striking out on three straight pitches. McNeil was due up but Carlos Mendoza opted to pinch hit with J.D. Martinez, who was getting the day off because he was scuffling at the plate.
Martinez ended the game with a strikeout, the 14th time in his last 35 PA he’s whiffed, which is a 40% K rate.
While it was disappointing to miss out on a chance to sweep, the Mets are doing what they have to do here in the weak part of their schedule. They are 9-5 here in July and they’ll start up after the break with four games against the 33-63 Marlins.
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Gut Reaction: it was a bad day for Quintana but a worse day for Houser. Houser wasn’t effective in his 3 previous appearances. He is definitely on the list of DFA (or trade?) candidates if Stearns restocks the bullpen. It was a 5-1 home stand and they are in the thick of the playoff picture at the All-Star break. It will be an interesting second half.
I was surprised not to see Stewart pinch hit for Taylor in the ninth inning. Then use Martinez for McNeil if you want. That gives you two shots at the long ball. Plus, Stewart’s good OBP gives a base runner at least. Oh well, can’t win them all.
A funny little aside: saw the score and wanted to enjoy the highlights of the Phillies getting killed by the A’s 18-3. In the top of the ninth, after a grand slam off of Garrett Stubbs made in 18-3, the A’s announcer went out on a limb and offered that the rout was on!! Oh…
Can’t win them all. Hits and contributions by all but Bader. Iggy had a big day going 4-4 and scoring two runs. Quintana has had a great run going deep into games so he was due for a stinker. Houser has reverted from his strong relief outings. Hard to put him in these days. Three with the Marlins before games with three winning teams after them. Happy to be three over .500.