Mets’ Rally Fizzles In Game 1 Of Doubleheader
The New York Mets had off Saturday due to a postponement of the second game of their series in St. Louis. That meant Sunday would include a doubleheader where pitching prospect Blade Tidwell was slated to make his first career major-league start. Unfortunately, for Tidwell and the Mets, the debut did not go well, and despite a valiant comeback effort, the Mets dropped Game 1 of the doubleheader, 6-5.
Tidwell was only able to last 3 2/3 innings and 82 pitches. After giving up a solo home run in the second inning to Willson Contreras, the majority of the damage came in the fourth inning. After walking the No. 8 hitter, Tidwell then hit the No. 9 hitter which then led to two straight two-out singles that scored four runs in the inning.
When it was all said and done, Tidwell allowed nine hits, six runs, walked three, hit one, and only struck out two across his 3 2/3 innings of work.
Behind Tidwell, as has been the case for the majority of the season, the Mets’ bullpen was quite good. The unit got three innings of work from newer Mets Génesis Cabrera (two innings) and Austin Warren (one inning). Huascar Brazobán (1/3 inning) and Reed Garrett (one inning) also posted scoreless outings.
Offensively, the Mets got a single run in the first, third, and sixth innings. Their best opportunity came in the eighth, where, with the bases loaded, Pete Alonso struck out on a pitch that may have just clipped the strike zone. Then, Brandon Nimmo hit it well, but ultimately harmlessly flew out to center field. This kept the game at 6-5 in favor of St. Louis.
New York got another chance in the ninth, as Mark Vientos, who came on in relief of Jesse Winker (left with right side tightness), lead-off the inning with a single. The pinch-runner Starling Marte got into scoring position before Jeff McNeil hit a 98.9 mph line out to right field and Luisangel Acuña popped up on the infield to end the game with the 6-5 scoreline.
Offensively, the Mets scattered 10 hits, leaving a staggering 12 runners on base. Francisco Lindor led the way with three RBIs, as he had a run-scoring fielder’s choice then a big two-run single to get the Mets within one in the eighth inning. Alonso continued his scorching start with two doubles in back-to-back plate appearances to begin his afternoon.
Player of the Game: Luisangel Acuña
The Mets’ rookie started the game at third base and proceeded to go 3-of-4. He also stole his eighth base of the season and scored a run. With Sunday’s Game 1 performance, Acuña is now hitting .313 on the season.
On Deck
The Mets and Cardinals are right back at it in the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:15 pm ET. The probable pitchers for that game are Tylor Megill and Andre Pallante.
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