The New York Mets’ lineup produced a strong offensive night, but a regression by Matt Harvey ultimately led to their demise.

Another weak starting pitching performance from Matt Harvey — after he held a 3.31 ERA over his last three outings — destroyed a performance from the New York Mets lineup after they beat up Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole.
  • Final Score: Pirates 12 (25-30), Mets 7 (23-30)
  • W: Gerrit Cole (3-5)
  • L: Paul Sewald (0-1)
  • NL, Final, Box Score
  • Citi Field, Queens, New York

The Dark Knight Regresses

After limiting opponents to just a .238 batting average against over his last three starts, while garnering two wins over that span, Harvey struggled against a mediocre Pirates lineup tonight to the tune of five six-run innings, allowing five hits and four walks in the process, while K’ing five.

A significant part of his struggle was a bases-clearing double off the Dark Knight by Pirates catcher Elias Diaz in the fourth inning, bringing any early momentum Harvey had to a screeching halt.

The bullpen didn’t do Harvey any favors either, as the combined efforts of Paul Sewald, Neil Ramirez and Josh Smoker netted the Pirates six more runs on eight hits and a walk —  a continuation of the Mets horrendous bullpen work this season.

A Solid Night at the Plate

The hot-seat occupying Lucas Duda continued his recent tear since coming off the disabled list, as the southpaw smacked his ninth and tenth home runs on the season tonight, with both balls being deposited in the second deck in right. Duda’s power night brought his season average up to .270 as well.

Michael Conforto hit his near the top of the NL 14th home run on a two-run shot in the fifth inning. Although it was his only hit on the night, he was a major part of the lineup’s five-run mid-game rally.

Second baseman Neil Walker hit Jay Bruce in on a triple, after right fielder Gregory Polanco grossly misplayed a line drive his way. The extra-base hit brought Walker to a 1-for-3 night out of the cleanup spot, including two runs scored and walk, besides the three-bagger.

Up Next for the Metropolitans

On deck for the Mets to face at 7:15 p.m. tomorrow night is Pirates prospect Tyler Glasnow, who’s sporting a 2-4 record with a 6.95 ERA on the 2017 season.

The rapidly improving Robert Gsellman will toe the rubber for the Orange and Blue, as the Mets are on the prowl to end their three-game losing streak.