The New York Mets were unable to get anything going against St. Louis starter Michael Wacha, dropping the second game of the series with the Cardinals 5-0.
- W: Michael Wacha (7-3)
- L: Rafael Montero (1-6)
- Citi Field, Queens, NY
After two blowout wins against the Rockies, the Mets have now lost three straight, including the first two games of this series. Cardinals starter Michael Wacha was dominant, scattering just three hits in a complete game shutout. New York did not play a solid game defensively, committing three errors.
In the third inning, with St. Louis already up 2-0, Matt Carpenter laced a double to deep left field to bring home another run. This was one of four hits on the night for Carpenter.
Matt Carpenter doing Matt Carpenter things! Carpenter's 2nd double of the night.
?2⃣ #STLCards 3, #Mets 0. pic.twitter.com/RXAQYkw7WG
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 18, 2017
T.J. Rivera committed one of the Mets three errors in the top of the third inning, giving the Cardinals a 4-0 lead. That was more than enough for starter Wacha.
His first professional complete game and first shutout.
Have yourself a night, @MichaelWacha! pic.twitter.com/qCM6UQBHGi
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 19, 2017
Montero’s struggles continue
Rafael Montero cannot put together any consistent quality starts. Tonight he went six innings, giving up four runs (two earned), seven hits, and five strikeouts. He has been less than adequate his entire career. After this outing, his record drops to 1-6 with a 5.40 ERA.
How long can the Mets continue to stick with this guy? They need him right now because of a shortage of arms, but he either needs to be demoted or traded.
Falling Fast
The Mets are starting to dig a hole they can’t climb out of. With their loss tonight, they sit 14.5 games out of the division and 11 games out of the wild card.
General manager Sandy Alderson is probably going to have to sell off pieces at the trade deadline. First baseman Lucas Duda and closer Addison Reed have been the subject of trade speculation, with the New York Yankees reportedly having interest in both.
What’s Next
New York will look to snap their three-game losing streak when current ace Jacob deGrom takes the hill Wednesday night against Mike Leake. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm ET.
