Peterson Struggles in Loss to Diamondbacks
PHOENIX — David Peterson didn’t get much support from the defense, particularly from third baseman Andy Ibáñez. Still, he did his best to keep the Mets in the game during Sunday’s matchup.
The left-handed pitcher, now working as a bulk reliever, managed to throw five innings without allowing an earned run in a 5-1 defeat against the Diamondbacks.
Unfortunately, all three runs he allowed came after Ibáñez made his second throwing error of the afternoon in the sixth inning.
“I think I just need to focus on being myself again—lowering my sinker and utilizing my four-seamer,” Peterson mentioned, acknowledging his current 5.49 ERA. “My changeup has felt good in recent outings, and my slider is also showing promise.”
In a previous appearance, Peterson gave up two earned runs over four innings during a relief stint at Colorado State. Both runs came following a mistake by Carson Benge in the outfield.
It’s been a rocky road for Peterson as a starter. He’s faced challenges lately, allowing at least four earned runs in each of his last four starts. His most recent outing against the Nationals ended with him surrendering seven runs in just over three innings.
Coach Carlos Mendoza expressed some optimism, saying, “I thought he did really well today. He generated ground balls and made key pitches. Unfortunately, we didn’t make some plays, and that led to runs. Overall, I felt he threw the ball effectively.”
Mendoza opted to start Huascar Brazoban, but he struggled early, walking two batters before exiting in the second inning. Tobias Myers managed to get two outs, but then Ryan Waldschmidt hit a two-run double that added to the Mets’ woes.
“Overall, Brazobán had trouble finding the strike zone today,” Mendoza noted. “I knew we wanted to get through the first inning with these two on the mound, but it just didn’t pan out as planned.”
Looking ahead, Mendoza clarified that he doesn’t plan to use Myers as a second starter due to his increased workload recently. “Toby was short today. We tried, but it just didn’t work out,” he added, reflecting on the outing.
