New York Mets’ newly-acquired starting pitcher Wilmer Font makes his debut on Wednesday in a loss to the San Diego Padres.
Making a spot start for the injured Steven Matz, newly-acquired Wilmer Font was solid in his Mets debut.
Font pitched four innings of two-run ball, allowing just three hits. The 28-year-old threw 39 of his 60 pitches for strikes and did not issue any free passes.
Despite Font’s stout effort, the New York Mets came up just short once again. Here are some key takeaways from Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres.
Manuel Margot robs Pete Alonso of a home run
It appeared that Peter Alonso had hit his 12th home run of the year in the sixth inning. Padres’ CF Manuel Margot had other ideas. Margot leaped in front of the home bullpen to take one away from Alonso and help starter Matt Strahm complete another scoreless frame.
“It kind of took my breath away there for a second,” Strahm said. “I thought (Alonso) got me and Manny brought it back.”
An above-average center fielder, this was one of the finest plays of Margot’s young career.
Tomas Nido has a strong game
Starting in place of Wilson Ramos, Nido hit his first home run of the season. He also picked off Margot at first base to end a Padres’ threat in the fifth. However, Nido did strikeout against closer Kirby Yates with two men on for the final out of the game.
High strikeout totals continue
As a team, the Mets struck out 13 times on Wednesday. The club is averaging 10.03 strikeouts per game in 2019, the second-worst total in baseball. This habit has been even worse of late. Over their last three games, the Mets are averaging 12.33 K/game.
Quotes from Mickey Callaway
“That kid in center field (Margot) probably won the game for them today,” the Mets’ skipper sounded. “Renfroe and their center fielder beat us.”
Renfroe’s solo home run in the seventh gave the Padres a 3-2 lead and proved to be the difference in the game.
Up next
The Mets are off on Thursday before returning home to begin a three-game series with the Miami Marlins.
Zack Wheeler (2-2, 4.64 ERA) will square off against RHP Pablo Lopez (2-4, 4.03).
Following his rehab assignment, INF Jed Lowrie is expected to start at 3B and bat second on Friday.
