Jacob deGrom was brilliant again, lowering his ERA to a National League best, 1.52.
Jacob deGrom nor the Mets would get the Win however, as the bullpen reared it’s ugly head again.
Over his last 7 starts, Jacob has pitched to an 0.45 ERA. The Mets are somehow 2-5 in those games. It’s actually pretty remarkable. Overall, they are 5-6 in games he has started, and he might be the front runner for the National League’s Cy Young Award.
The Mets gave their unlucky ace an early cushion as a 1st inning Devin Mesoraco walk forced in a run. They could not capitalize further on their bases loaded opportunity.
Devin Mesoraco would score again in the top of the 4th, after a Luis Guillorme double would bring him home.
Then the rains came. Well, kinda. The teams were removed from the field but it was mostly sunny. After a 30 minute delay, Jacob deGrom would take the mound again for the top of the 7th. He would allow a lead off homerun to Tyler Flowers. Two more Braves would reach, but deGrom would escape without allowing any further damage.
Jacob deGrom’s day was done after 7 innings and 115 pitches. He allowed just 1 run on 5 hits and 3 walks. He struck out 8. Tremendous. What else can you say about deGrom at this point?
Before the game, Mickey Callaway decided that Seth Lugo would pitch 2 innings in the first game of the doubleheader. Apparently, he was determined to make that happen. No matter what.
Lugo came out to pitch the bottom of the 8th, protecting a 2-1 lead. Ozzie Albies led off with a single. Freddie Freeman had a single of his own, which moved Albies to third. Nick Markakis would hit a sacrifice fly, and just like that the game was tied. Jacob deGrom was no longer in line for the win. 2-2. Lugo would strike out the next 2 batters, but the damage was done.
Devin Mesoraco thought that it would be cool to score for a third time in the top of the 9th. He hit a solo homerun i the 9th inning, for the second day in a row, and the Mets had the lead again 3-2! With one out, Amed Rosario singled. Seth Lugo came up to bat for himself. I told you Callaway was determined to have Lugo pitch 2 innings. He struck out trying to bunt, and the Mets would not score again.
In the bottom of the 9th, Johan Camargo led off with a walk. Lugo then got Dansby Swanson to line out. Charlie Culberson was next. Culberson thought that the bottom of the 9th was the perfect time for his first homerun of the season, so he ended the game on a walk off. Braves win 4-3.
Anything Mickey Callaway touches right now turns to…what is the opposite of gold, If he takes his pitcher out, he gets burned. If he leaves them in, he gets burned. Sure, the players need to perform. This one is on Callaway in my opinion though.
Ok, you want Seth Lugo to pitch 2 innings in the first game. No matter what though? Seth Lugo blew the lead not once but twice. When his spot in the lineup came up in the 9th inning; that was the perfect time to remove him. Wasn’t Noah Syndergaard taken out the other day after 78 pitches for Jose Reyes?
Aside from a meltdown Saturday when Jason Vargas pitched, the Mets were in position to win their final 2 games in Miami, and at least split their 4 game set in Milwaukee.
How good has Devin Mesoraco been? He’s been great with the pitching staff, and has a knack for coming through late in games for us. Great move, Sandy.
The Mets now need to pick themselves up and get ready to play again, as that was only the first game of a doubleheader. Lefty PJ Conlon will get the start in Game 2.
