Baltimore — The Mets are set to welcome back Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea to the mound this weekend, which might help avoid the kind of sluggish play seen on Thursday evening.
In Game 2 of the doubleheader, Brandon Waddell and Justin Hagenman struggled, failing to get an out and contributing to a 7-3 defeat against the Orioles at Camden Yard.
This loss came after David Peterson’s impressive performance in Game 1’s eighth inning, although Ryne Stanek faltered and blew a save during the Mets’ 3-1 loss.
After a successful three-game Subway Series, including two wins, the Mets were hoping to carry momentum into their match against the Orioles on Tuesday.
However, the team’s offense fell short during the doubleheader, scoring just a collective 19 runs compared to the 2 runs they allowed.
Thankfully, with Senga, who boasts a 1.47 ERA, and Manaea returning against Kansas City, alongside Clay Holmes in a piggyback setup on Sunday, the Mets might feel optimistic heading into the All-Star break.
Waddell started Game 2, pitching three innings while allowing three earned runs and giving up four hits with a walk. Hagenman came in next and allowed another three runs.
During the game, Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor both got on base to help the Mets briefly lead 2-0, thanks to an RBI groundout from Juan Soto and a sacrifice fly from Pete Alonso.
But Waddell quickly lost the lead when Jordan Westburg hit a two-run homer, pushing the Orioles ahead 3-2, and they continued to build on that momentum.
Colton Cowser added his fourth RBI with a single against Hagenman, who, along with Richard Lovelady, saw their roles lead to the sixth run for Baltimore.
In Game 1, Jesse Winker had to be pulled after his first at-bat due to back tension, necessitating an MRI when he returned to New York.
As for Peterson, he had a standout performance on a day he learned he’d been selected as an NL All-Star alternate. He pitched strongly in the eighth, allowing five hits and recording six strikeouts.
However, manager Carlos Mendoza decided to remove him after a single in the eighth, particularly after Stanek stumbled while facing a loaded base situation that gave the Orioles crucial runs.
Mendoza explained his thought process, suggesting he felt more comfortable with Stanek against the left-handed pinch hitter than Peterson facing right-handed batters.
“We can discuss all the strategies, but ultimately, we didn’t produce offensively,” Mendoza noted.
Peterson expressed he wasn’t surprised by his removal post-single but wished he had been given another chance to play on.
“I felt physically great and in control,” Peterson shared. “I thought, maybe after that single, I could demonstrate my ability. But the call was made to be aggressive, so I understood when he wanted to take me out.”
Stanek later reflected on his mechanics during the game, admitting he struggled with his approach.
“I lost my focus a bit on the mound,” Stanek confessed. “It hindered my performance.”
