Mets Lose 3-2, Unable To Complete Sweep Before Break

In the final game of the first half of the season, the New York Mets (58-35) hoped to complete the four-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs (35-57). During an overcast afternoon on Sunday at Wrigley Field, it looked as if the Mets were going to complete the sweep. However, after Drew Smith gave up a couple eighth inning runs, New York fell 3-2.

The Mets got the scoring going early, in bizarre fashion. After singles by Starling Marte and Francisco Lindor (extended his hitting streak to 11 games) to begin the game, New York scored off what looked like it was going to be a pick off. Lindor was dead to rights after getting caught leaning toward second base. He successfully executed a run down and Marte scored during the sequence. Bizarre happening, but it led to a 1-0 Mets’ lead.

In the fourth inning, the Cubs had a man on first and second base with one out. Frank Schwindel grounded a ball to Eduardo Escobar at third. However, Escobar was unable to corral the ball cleanly and instead of an inning-ending double play, the Cubs had the bases loaded with one out.

Peterson then walked Patrick Wisdom which tied the game. Luckily for the Mets, and Escobar, Peterson was able to get the next two batters to strikeout. However, due to Escobar’s error, not only did that unearned run come across to tie the game, Peterson also had to throw a total of 37 pitches in the inning. Of those, 21 came after the would-have-been double play that was botched by Escobar.

The Mets responded right back in the fifth inning. Brandon Nimmo waked, and Marte registered his second hit of the game. Pete Alonso then tallied a bloop single over the shoulder of the first baseman. This brought home Nimmo and helped regain the Mets’ one-run lead.

After his lengthy fourth inning, Peterson came out for the fifth and dominated. He induced a ground out and struck out two in a very quick inning. This spelled the end of his day as he threw five innings without allowing an earned run. He struck out eight, and only allowed one walk. His ERA entering the All-Star break: 3.24.

After Lindor was hosed at the plate with Joey Cora sending him with two outs, the Cubs tied the game back up in the bottom of the eighth inning. Drew Smith allowed two consecutive no-out hits, then a ground ball drove home the tying run. The Cubs then took the lead via a Nico Hoerner single off Smith. The Mets all of a sudden trailed by a run headed to the ninth inning.

New York was unable to rally in the final inning of the game. They lost 3-2 and enter the All-Star break with a 58-35 record. The Mets lead the National League East by 2.5 games. Despite the loss, still one of the best first halves in franchise history.

Player of the Game: Starling Marte

Marte entered the All-Star break with a very effective game. He went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored. He was able to come home when Lindor got in the first-inning run down. Marte has been everything New York could ask for after signing a large free agent contract in the offseason.

On Deck

Next up for most of the New York Mets’ is the All-Star break. This besides for Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Starling Marte, and Edwin Díaz. Each of which are headed to Los Angeles to participate in the All-Star Game festivities. After the break, the Mets will return to action at Citi Field against the San Diego Padres.