WEST SACROMENTO, CA – Pete Alonso is the engine that has been driving the Mets lineup recently, but what happens if the motor isn't running?
On Saturday, the team received the latest reminder that Alonso alone isn't enough to run consistently in combat.
I need help.
The first baseman hit the batting four, so the Mets lost 3-1 to Sutter Health Park's A, setting up a series rubber game on Sunday.
Alonso owns a 1.164 OPS and offers Mets several game-changing hits over the first 2.5 weeks.
However, Juan Soto has only one Homer and 4 RBI in his first 14 games against the team. Francisco Lindor was sputtered, and the bottom of the Mets lineup was a black hole. Brandon Nemo has brought power to the lineup – he delivered his fourth homer this season on Saturday – but he's hitting just .208.
Saturday's loss was the fifth of the Mets' season, earning under two runs each.
Former Mets prospect JT Ginn traded for Chris Bassitt's A before the 2022 season, irritating the old organization by getting one run with four hits and allowing two runs with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. The right-hander took the lead with a fastball at 97 mph.
The Mets kept the victim when Jose Ciri left the match in two innings after he fouled the ball on his left shin. The first indication from the team was that Siri maintained his contempt.
David Peterson gave the Mets six solid innings and allowed two runs scored with seven hits on five strikeouts.
The left-hander has completed two six innings this season. He is the only Mets starting pitcher to win that in the game.
The A didn't hit the ball from the infield against Peterson until the fourth time when Jacob Wilson stroked a leadoff double and recorded the first run of the game with a one-out single from Tyler Sodderstrom.
Peterson granted the singles to Siya Langelia and Miguel Anduja. The latter extended A's lead to 2-0.
Peterson's long innings continued as Hayden Senger was asked to interfere with the catcher at the plate with Lewis Uria.
However, with the bass loaded, Peterson made Max Muncie hit the grounder for the end of the inning.
Nemo sliced A's lead in half, with Homer taking the lead from sixth. It gave Nemo an explosion in consecutive games, tied him with Alonso for the Homers' team lead (4).
Johnny Pereda delivered the RBI double against Jose Batoto, seventh in the Mets' deficit to 3-1.
