New York Mets: Pitching Struggles Continue in Fourth Straight Loss

Michael Wacha had nothing in his second start for the New York Mets, and it was evident from the first inning. It was the second straight night the Mets starter failed to pitch five innings, and their lack of offense led to a 7-1 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

The Mets never had a lead at any point during the game. The Braves started their scoring early with a Marcell Ozuna first inning, two-run home run to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. They added on to their lead in the second inning as back-to-back doubles from Tyler Flowers, and Ronald Acuna Jr. followed by an Ozzie Albies single, gave Atlanta a quick 5-0 lead.

Wacha was stuck in his mess all night. His lack of control and ability to put hitters away forced him to throw 96 pitches in the four innings he pitched. Once the Mets fell behind early, they played like a team who lost any life they had left.

Ugly Offense

The Mets only mustered one run, which came on a Robinson Cano sacrifice fly. Their offense struggled to drive in fields as they went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and left ten runners on base. Despite the struggles as a team, Cano continued his hot hitting. Cano’s double was the only extra-base hit they had all night.

The one bright spot from the loss is the MLB debut for Franklyn Kilome. He came out of the bullpen following Wacha and pitched very well. Kilome kept the Braves hitters off-balanced and confused, throwing four innings, allowing two runs and striking out five without walking a batter. He also retired nine in a row to finish his night. Not only did he earn a future role but rested a struggling Mets bullpen.

Another bright spot is Jeff McNeil’s 12-pitch at-bat while the Mets were down 7-1 and with two outs in the ninth. McNeil continued to fight and work out a walk to extend the game another batter. It was not the type of at-bat the Mets have put together frequently and shows the focus McNeil has. Most players would have given up the at-bat to end the game.

The Mets attempt to stop their losing streak as David Peterson takes the mound in his second career start on Sunday. He faces off against Kyle Wright, and the first pitch from Truist Park is at 1:10 p.m. ET.