The Mets (84-65) were defeated by the New York Yankees (82-66) by a score of 11-2 tonight at Citi Field, and in the process dropping the rubber game.
With the Washington Nationals also winning this afternoon, the Mets’ magic number remains at eight, and their lead in the division shrinks to six with thirteen left to play.
Pitching:
Matt Harvey got the start for the first time in twelve days, and put up a very strong showing. The Dark Knight tossed five scoreless innings, allowing only one hit, while walking one and striking out seven.
In order to preserve the Mets’ young ace, Harvey was removed after just 75 pitches, much to the dismay of this writer and I’m sure countless other fans.
Hansel Robles came in to relieve Harvey in the sixth inning, and was tagged for five runs before being chased from the game.
Jacoby Ellsbury hit a grounder to Daniel Murphy at second base, who proceeded to throw the ball past Lucas Duda, causing Ellsbury to move up to second.
The next batter Brett Gardner dropped down a bunt, and Hansel Robles chose to throw to third, and though he had Ellsbury beat, David Wright dropped the ball on the tag, putting runners on the corners with no out.
Carlos Beltran then doubled to bring home two, giving the Yankees their first lead of the night, and forcing Matt Harvey to settle with a no-decision.
Greg Bird walked later in the inning, then Dustin Ackley promptly cleared the bases with a three run shot to right center field.
Sean Gilmartin came on to clean up the mess, and despite letting up a single, was able to retire the final batter of the inning to leave the deficit at 5-1.
Eric O’Flaherty started the seventh inning, and in typical fashion, was unsuccessful, loading the bases before handing the ball over to Erik Goeddel.
Goeddel came in, and walked in the sixth Yankees run, before retiring the side.
The Yankees tacked on an additional five runs in the eighth inning, putting the nail in the coffin with a ten run lead.
Offense:
The Mets bats were silent for most of the night despite getting off to an early lead in the first inning off of CC Sabathia.
Ruben Tejada and David Wright doubled to bring in a run, but couldn’t build upon that, and were shut down until the eighth inning when they put up their second run.
It would prove to be too little, too late at that point, as the Mets dropped their fourth game in the last six days and seem to be in a bit of a funk.
Hopefully our fortunes will change, seeing as we have to face the Braves, Reds and Phillies in our next ten games.
Wishful thinking. And just a subtle reminder, this isn’t 2007.
On deck:
The Mets take on the aforementioned Atlanta Braves tomorrow night with Jon Niese (8-10, 4.31 ERA) taking on Shelby Miller (5-15, 3.00 ERA). First pitch is at 7:10 PM.
