Mets Continue Struggles Against Rockies
Saturday’s rain didn’t exactly aid the Mets’ performance.
Coach Carlos Mendoza’s squad faced another disappointing doubleheader against the Rockies on Sunday, dropping the first game at Citi Field, 3-1, resulting in their series loss.
With just four hits in total, the Mets had a glimmer of hope during a late-game rally but came up short in the eighth inning. After Juan Soto drew a walk, the bases were loaded with one out. Unfortunately, Luis Robert Jr. popped out, and Mark Vientos struck out, drawing boos from the crowd.
This marked the Mets’ 14th defeat in their last 16 games. To add to their woes, Kodai Senga, who wasn’t feeling well, was set to start the second game of the day.
Nolan McLean had a tough outing, pitching five innings, allowing five hits, two walks, and striking out seven while giving up two runs—only one of which was earned—before being taken out of the game. This was actually the shortest start of his season, which is interesting considering he also pitched five innings in his debut against the Pirates.
In the fourth inning, McLean gave up a single to Troy Johnston that resulted in an RBI, but it could have been worse. With the bases loaded and no outs, he managed to strike out Kyle Karros and then induced a ground ball that led to a double play.
Later, in the bottom of the fifth, Tyrone Taylor’s home run tied the game 1-1. After Jose Quintana retired 11 consecutive batters, Taylor hit his second homer of the season over the left-field fence.
Things took a turn for the worse in the sixth inning when a throwing error by Vientos allowed an unearned run to score for the Rockies. Vientos attempted to throw out Mickey Moniak at second but misfired, again loading the bases with no outs.
Replacing McLean, Huascar Brazoban managed to coax Johnston into hitting a grounder that led to a double play, yet the Rockies still scored.
Brazovan then hit an RBI single off Jake McCarthy in the seventh, pushing the Rockies ahead to 3-1, starting the rally with Sullivan’s double.
After Lewis Torrence caught McCarthy trying to steal second base, Jordan Beck had a pitch clock violation on the fourth pitch. Brazovan closed out the game by retiring Edouard Julien for the final out.
