Zack Wheeler continued his recent stretch of success with a quality start against the Pirates, but the New York Mets ultimately lost 5-4.
Freshly called-up New York Mets rookie Tyler Pill allowed the bases to be loaded in the bottom of the tenth, but was pulled for Josh Edgin following that, who allowed a John Jaso single to score David Freese for a walk-off 5-4 win in Pittsburgh.- Final Score: Pirates 5 (23-27), Mets 4 (20-27)
- W: Tony Watson (3-1)
- L: Tyler Pill (0-1)
- NL, Final, Box Score
- PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Home Runs For Days
As per the usual Mets way, the lineup cracked three home runs today against Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole — a trio of Jay Bruce, Lucas Duda and Travis d’Arnaud.
On top of those three bombs, the Mets also hit three doubles — from Duda, d’Arnaud and Jose Reyes — and a triple off the bat of Curtis Granderson, pushing the team to a 12-hit performance that is reminiscent of their recent lineup success.
Before tonight’s game in Pittsburgh, the Mets stood just 11 home runs behind the major league lead as a team with 63, with the division rival Washington Nationals tops in that category at 74.
Building up from last season’s weak performance hitting with runners in scoring position, the Mets actually stand atop the majors in that area so far this year, even further increasing the Mets’ desire to get quality starting pitching every night to help the lineup and bullpen hold onto wins.
The Wheel-meister Rolls On
While it wasn’t an utterly fantastic start, Zack Wheeler pitched a very solid game against the Pirates, showcasing a final line of six three-run innings pitched with seven hits and two walks allowed, while striking out five.
Tonight’s posting from Wheeler brings his ERA over his last four starts to 2.08 over 21.2 innings tossed, garnering 19 strikeouts over that time as well.
With that level of growing performance from him, Mets manager Terry Collins has to be excited with more consistent play from his rotation, as Jacob deGrom went 8.1 innings the night before, while Matt Harvey and Robert Gsellman have done better as of late.
What Else to Know From Tonight
d’Arnaud had his best night back off the disabled list tonight, going 3-for-5 with a homer to center, his third double of the season and a run scored. Although Rene Rivera filled in admirably for the former top prospect, d’Arnaud helps significantly deepen the lineup.
Before Reed’s blown save, the bullpen performed well, with Neil Ramirez, Jerry Blevins and Fernando Salas combining for two scoreless innings going into the final frame.
Juan Lagares made an incredible catch in center field to open the bottom of the ninth in an effort to try to help Reed close out a save.
Up Next For the Mets
The Mets are scheduled to face Pirates top prospect Tyler Glasnow tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Harvey will be on the bump for the team in Queens, as the righty looks to continue his recent upward trend.