The Mets (63-53) were defeated by the Pittsburgh Pirates (67-46) by a score of 3-2 tonight at Citi Field.
Pitching:
The Pirates jumped out in front early on, as Neil Walker hit a solo home run off Bartolo Colon in the first inning.
Colon regained his composure immediately, however, as the big righty pitched a very strong outing, allowing just the one run on five hits, while walking two and striking out seven against a very potent Pittsburgh lineup.
Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia pitched the eighth and ninth innings respectively, keeping the Pirates at bay.
In the tenth inning, Bobby Parnell came on to pitch and very clearly did not have his stuff working. The Bucs certainly took advantage, as Parnell failed to retire a batter, allowing three straight hits to give Pittsburgh a lead in the late goings.
Carlos Torres was called upon to work out of the mess that he inherited, with two on and nobody out. Torres allowed a run to score on a sacrifice fly, but prevented further damage as he was able to keep further trouble from ensuing.
Parnell’s poor outing proved to be detrimental to the Mets chances of winning, as they failed to rally in the bottom of the tenth to tie or win the game.
Offense:
J.A. Happ, who – coming into today -possessed a 4-4 record with a 4.78 ERA, stymied the Mets offense, pitching 5.1 innings, and allowing just one run. The journeyman right-hander did yield seven hits, but was able to stifle the Mets attempts at scoring.
A key scoring opportunity presented itself for the Mets in the third inning, as Juan Lagares singled to lead off the frame, followed by a Curtis Granderson double.
The following three batters would be retired in order, as the Mets failed to score, which turned out to be a crucial missed scoring chance for the Mets tonight.
In the sixth inning, the Mets finally broke through and were able to tie up the game, as Yoenis Cespedes hit a home run to left field, his second as a Met and 20th on the season.
The Mets rallied in the tenth inning, as Juan Lagares doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Curtis Granderson then hit a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 3-2.
However, Yoenis Cespedes struck out and Juan Uribe grounded out to end the ball game.
It’s a tough loss, but the Pirates are a good ball club. Rest up and go get ’em tomorrow, boys.
On deck:
Jon Niese (7-9, 3.46 ERA) gets the ball for the Mets tomorrow and is opposed by Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.48 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM.
