Despite a couple of comebacks, both of which fell short, the Mets lost 10-8 to the Marlins today who completed a four-game sweep in which they outscored the Mets 28-16.
Game Summary
Jon Niese started the game but came out in the third with an apparent hamstring injury after making an errant throw to first base fielding a bunted ball near third base. The Mets say he’s fine, but sent him for a precautionary MRI. The league seems to be catching up to Niese who allowed five runs (2 earned) on four hits and walk. Don’t let the numbers fool you, he was hit hard and some great plays on defense led to some clutch outs. The Marlins ended up scoring six runs in that dreadful third inning.
The usually reliable Hisanori Takahashi was tabbed as the replacement for Niese, but was a little shaky in his three innings of work, allowing two more runs on four hits, four walks, and homerun to Dan Uggla. His once sterling ERA has now risen to 3.12.
Fernando Nieve was also called upon and got hit hard again in his inning of work, with the big blast coming on a pinch hit 3-run homer by Chris Coghlan. Nieve, who was once considered a major weapon out of the bullpen, now has a 4.64 ERA.
The Mets bullpen has logged more innings than any other Major League team and just in this series alone, they accounted for sixteen innings pitched. Wow… Talk about burning out the bullpen… Thank you Ollie and Maine…
The Mets offense came up with a surprising 12 hits and 8 runs in this game, but couldn’t close the deal despite the valiant effort. As bad as the they have been playing, and as often as the fell behind early in each game, they never stopped battling.
Alex Cora and Jason Bay led the hit parade with two hits each, and Angel Pagan got on base three times with two walks and a single plus a stolen base, his fifth of the season. Recent call-up Chris Carter batted cleanup and had a run batted in for the Mets
With the loss, the Mets are now 18-20 and all alone in last place, 5 1/2 games behind the hard charging Phillies. Here’s a scary thought for you… When the Mets return to Citi Field next weekend, they will open the homestand with three against the New York Yankees and three more against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Mets have now lost five straight games and are 3-7 in their last ten. They own worst road record in baseball with a 4-12 mark. I mean that’s not just bad… that is “heads are gonna roll” bad!
By the way, still no word on who is going to replace Oliver Perez in the rotation, but an announcement could come shortly.
Game Ball
This Game Ball is a no-brainer and deservedly goes to Mets fans everywhere who deserve better than what they got in this series. Remember that a team is never as bad as they look during a losing streak so keep the faith and plenty of Rolaids on hand too.
On Deck
Tomorrow, the Mets head to Atlanta for a quick two game series with the Braves. Mike Pelfrey will oppose Derek Lowe in game one which starts at 7:10 PM and will be televised on SNY.
