The Mets were counting on one quality start after another on their way to a lead in the race for a wild-card spot, but on Friday they were NQ (non-quality) and NC (non-competitive).
A season-worst start from David Peterson combined with disappointing relief pitching led the Mets to a 12-2 loss to the Phillies in front of 41,474 at Citi Field, ending their winning streak at four.
Peterson's streak of quality starts for the Mets (defined as pitching at least six innings and allowing three or fewer earned runs) ended at eight with the poor outing.
The left-hander pitched just 3 2/3 innings, giving up eight hits, striking out four and giving up five runs (four earned).
Peterson said he was “surprised” to be replaced so quickly by coach Carlos Mendoza.
“But it was still a close call at that point and he wanted to move and that was his decision,” Peterson said. “It's all good and we're just going to move on.”
The reason Mendoza was substituted early was simple: Peterson was getting hit.
“The second time [the lineup] “They put together a really good at-bat,” Mendoza said, “They made some good adjustments and put some power on the ball. I thought I needed to be aggressive there, but it didn't work out.”
Adam Ottavino, Huascar Brazovan and Danny Young all had tough nights as relievers.
Infielder Eddie Alvarez took the mound in the ninth inning and held the opposing team scoreless, eliciting chants of “Eddie! Eddie” from the crowd.
The night wasn't a complete disaster for Mendoza's team, as Miami beat Atlanta and the Mets remained two games behind the Braves for the National League's third wild card spot.
The Phillies clinched a third consecutive postseason berth with Friday's win.
A win on Saturday or Sunday would allow the Phillies to celebrate winning the NL East before leaving Queens.
The Mets played their fifth straight game without Francisco Lindor, who is out with a sore back. Lindor, who received a disk injection on Thursday, participated in pregame baseball activities and said his back is feeling better but is not ready to return.
“I still believe in us,” Lindor said, noting the Mets had scored 10 points in three straight games through Friday. “I want to be there, too.”
Jose Iglesias, batting leadoff in Lindor's absence, continued his strong play with a home run in the top of the first inning, extending his hitting streak to 14 games.
The Mets took a 2-0 lead on a single by Starling Marte and a walk by Mark Vientos, but both bases advanced on a wild pitch by Christopher Sanchez.
The run was scored on a grounder by Brandon Nimmo.
An error by Pete Alonso allowed the Phillies to score an unearned run in the second inning.
Alonso missed a popup from JT Realmuto and the ball landed in shallow right field with the bases loaded and no outs, then Edmundo Sosa's sacrifice fly put the Phillies up 2-1.
Nick Castellanos hit an RBI double in the third inning to tie the game at 2-2, but the Mets got some luck when Luis Torrens' throw was out of reach and Alec Bohm was tagged out at home plate by Peterson trying to score.
The Phillies sent nine batters to home plate in the fourth inning, scoring six runs and knocking Peterson out.
Johan Rojas hit a two-run double to put the Mets up 4-2, but then Ottavino came on and added another run on a Trea Turner single.
After Bryce Harper was intentionally walked, Bohm hit a three-run homer to give the Phillies an 8-2 lead.
Ottavino, who had appeared in just one game over the past 10 days, pitched 1/3 of an inning, allowing three earned runs on two hits and one walk.
Bohm's good form continued with an RBI single in the sixth inning against Brazovan.
Before the end of the inning, Castellanos added another run on a grounder to extend the Phillies' lead to 10-2.
Realmuto hit a two-run homer off Danny Young in the eighth inning, the left-hander's third straight tough outing, all against the Phillies.
Offensively, J.D. Martinez was hitless for three at-bats, extending his 0-for-31 streak. Asked if he would consider giving Martinez a rest to let him cool off, Mendoza said “maybe.”
“This isn't the first time he's had a slump,” Mendoza said. “We're going to need him and he'll get through it, but right now it's tough for him.”
