A couple of curious squirrels stole the spotlight during the Mets’ game.
At least they provided some excitement for Mets fans, which is more than the team could manage.
Robert Stock and the underwhelming lineup fell flat.
The veteran pitcher struggled, and the Mets couldn’t capitalize when the Brewers’ starter, Dustin May, exited after just one batter, leading to an 8-1 defeat at Citi Field.
During the third inning, the atmosphere shifted as fans erupted into cheers. A squirrel had found its way onto the field. However, excitement turned to disappointment when the Mets squandered a chance with two runners on and two outs, as Carson Benge flew out.
As the crowd cheered for the mischief-making squirrel, Bo Bichette hit a foul ball that struck his foot. He left the game soon after due to a contusion.
In the next inning, the Brewers decisively took control of the game. Brice Turang launched a three-run homer, stretching the lead to 7-0 as Milwaukee opened the second inning with six straight hits.
Stock, a 36-year-old who stepped into the rotation after Freddy Peralta’s trade to the Rays, has not been effective. He managed just four innings on Wednesday, allowing 10 hits and seven earned runs, raising his ERA to 7.40.
In five starts, he hasn’t made it through the sixth inning. This outing mirrored his performance against the Pirates on August 8, when he surrendered nine hits and eight earned runs in three innings.
With roster expansions on the horizon, the Mets might consider substituting Stock with a prospect like Jonah Tong. Interim manager Andy Green expressed uncertainty regarding any impending promotions before the game.
In the game’s first at-bat, A.J. Ewing hit a line drive that struck May in the shoulder area. May attempted to continue but clearly struggled, leaving after a few warm-up pitches. It was later confirmed as a scapula contusion.
This injury didn’t benefit the Mets, as Robert Gasser limited the lineup to just six hits and one run over 5 1/3 innings, with the only blemish being a run-scoring single from Francisco Alvarez in the fourth.
