New York Mets starter Zack Wheeler came into Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs with a 2.41 ERA over his last seven starts, but that success came to a screeching halt early on in the game.
Wheeler allowed a monstrous 462 foot home run to new leadoff batter Anthony Rizzo in the first inning on the second pitch of the game. He would strike out three in the first inning as he looked to have settled down.
In the second inning it looked like Wheeler would get out of it without any damage as the opposing pitcher, Jon Lester, came to the plate with one on and two outs. Instead, Lester singled and started a two-out rally that was followed by two walks leading to an Ian Happ grand slam.
Terry Collins finally pulled Wheeler after he allowed a two-run double to Addison Russell to give the Cubs an 8-1 lead. Wheeler endeed up throwing 46 pitches in the second inning.
Wheeler lasted a career worst 1.2 innings giving up eight runs on eight hits, three walks and three strikeouts. He allowed two home runs in a game for only the third time in his career and the first time since 2014.
He is now 3-4 on the season with a 4.48 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 59 strikeouts compared to 29 walks in 64.1 innings.
“I just didn’t feel right today,” Wheeler said. “I don’t know what it was, I just didn’t feel right. It’s no excuse, but you’re supposed to find it when you’re out there and make an adjustment. [I] couldn’t do that today.”
