When playing double headers, it is normally very important that one or both of your starting pitchers go deep into the game to save your bullpen. Unfortunately, yesterday’s day-night split saw both starting pitchers removed from the game very early.
First up was Milone, who was cruising through the first four innings having not allowed a run. He ran into trouble in the 5th inning and was relieved by Hansel Robles after just 82 pitches. With two runners on, Robles delivered by striking out Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman.
“I thought he threw the ball good today,” Mets manager Terry Collins said of Milone. “I thought he threw very good. Kept them off balance with his off-speed stuff and located his fastball better than he has, and I thought he pitched pretty well today.”
In 4.1 innings, Milone allowed one earned run on six hits and a walk, striking out five. He did not qualify for the win as he was removed before he could get through five innings.
Seth Lugo, returning from the disabled list where he was placed with a shoulder injury, was removed early as well. He hit his pitch count in the fourth inning after throwing pitch number 70. Out of those 70 pitches, an impressive 51 were strikes.
In 3.2 innings, the “Quarterrican” allowed two earned runs on four hits and no walks while striking out five. His ERA now sits at 4.85 on the season, surely a higher mark than what was expected coming into 2017. His 4.26 is a bit better, but still not where he would like to be.
The Mets used most of their relievers in yesterday’s double header. With an off day today before their next series begins, the repercussions of the two short starts will be minimal, if there are any at all. The Mets start their series against Cincinnati on Tuesday.
