In Phoenix, the Mets faced yet another setback, this time losing to the Diamondbacks 5-1 at Chase Field.
The offense was nearly non-existent, managing just four singles against Zack Gallen and the Arizona bullpen. This marked their third loss in four games.
After a disappointing showing over the weekend in St. Louis, where they left multiple runners on base, they managed to squeeze out a win on Monday thanks to a couple of home runs.
The Mets (23-14) had one real chance in the third inning when Pete Alonso drew a bases-loaded walk. However, Sterling Marte, who has been filling in as DH due to Jesse Winker’s injury, struck out on three pitches, squandering the opportunity.
Wednesday’s game will determine the series outcome.
Despite a strong start to the season, the Mets have struggled in recent rubber matches.
David Peterson pitched six innings, allowing four runs on five hits and issuing four walks—his highest pitch count of the season at 104.
Gallen was in control, as the Mets didn’t register their second hit until the seventh when Mark Vientos managed a single. Gallen, however, ended the inning by forcing Jeff McNeil into a double play.
The Mets couldn’t capitalize early, and a replay showed that Tyrone Taylor narrowly beat the throw at first, which could have shifted momentum.
Gallen allowed three straight walks to Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Alonso, raising hopes briefly. But before they could rally, Marte couldn’t deliver.
A slow play allowed Randall Grichuk’s grounder to slip through Vientos, leading to a 2-1 score against Peterson. Grichuk capitalized and earned a run for the D-backs after a wild pitch moved the lead runner to third.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. brought in the first run, with Geraldo Perdomo’s fielder’s choice adding another. An awkward moment for Brandon Nimmo in left field caused some concern, but he remained in the game after a brief assessment.
Peterson often found himself in trouble but managed to escape multiple jams throughout the game.
Gurriel’s two-run homer in the sixth extended Arizona’s lead to 4-1, hitting a fastball over the left field barrier.
Errors compounded the Mets’ difficulties, with Naylor’s sacrifice fly pushing the score to 5-1. Though they created some scoring opportunities, they failed to capitalize.
In the eighth, Alvarez managed an infield single, yet another double play ended any potential threat heading into the ninth. Marte and Nimmo each had moments, but Shelby Miller struck out both Vientos and Nimmo, sealing the Mets’ fate.
