The New York Mets are turning to Jason Vargas to snap their three-game losing streak and avoid falling to seven games below .500.
Making his second start of his Mets career, the night began well for Walker Lockett.
The right-hander held the Philadelphia Phillies to just two runs over the first five innings on Tuesday. The wheels, however, came off in the sixth.
After walking Bryce Harper to begin the frame, he allowed a double to J.T. Realmuto. He was relieved by Wilmer Font after the double, but was still responsible for both base runners.
Both runners ultimately came around to score and Font was pulled after hitting Scott Kingery with a fastball. Prior to plunking Kingery, Font had allowed back-to-back home runs to Maikel Franco and Brad Miller.
All told, the Phillies scored five runs in the sixth inning and took a 7-5 lead. This ended up being the game’s final score.
The loss extended the Mets’ losing streak to three games. They’ll turn to Jason Vargas on Wednesday night in hopes of snapping it.
Making his first start since Sunday’s postgame incident, Vargas has, surprisingly, been one of the club’s better starters in 2019.
The veteran lefty has posted three quality starts in his last five outings. He very well could have had another, had he not been forced to leave his June 16 start against St. Louis with a minor injury.
In six career games (four starts) against the Phillies, Vargas is 2-1 with a 3.51 ERA. The Mets could certainly use some of that success on Wednesday.
He will be opposed by RHP Nick Pivetta (4-2, 5.54 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Mets Roundup
Another four-hit game for Jeff McNeil
Tuesday’s 4-for-5 effort was McNeil’s sixth career four-hit game. The Mets utility man was able to reach the mark in career game No. 129. The previous record for six career four-hit games was held by Ichiro Suzuki (154 games).
A nice piece of history for an underrated player.
Justin Wilson feels good after bullpen session
Left-hander Justin Wilson threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and reported no issues. This was first reported by Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record.
Currently serving his second IL stint of the season, Wilson has been sidelined since May 6. He will throw another bullpen later this week.
