The Mets blew a five run lead against the last place Phillies to drop back to six games below .500 on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Coming off an exciting 11 inning win yesterday, it seemed like the Mets could be on the verge of putting together a nice winning streak, and possibly get back in the playoff picture. Lucas Duda, who has struggled with left-handed pitching his entire career, came through with the game winning hit in the 11th, reports Daily News. However, on Sunday, the bullpen was not able to maintain the three run lead they were handed in the seventh inning, as the Mets continued to do what they have done all season, disappoint.
Zach Wheeler was not at his best for the Amazins, giving up a first inning solo home run to Chase Utley and a two-run double to Domonic Brown in the sixth, but still managed to leave the game with the lead.
Vic Black gave up two runs in the seventh, only managing to get two batters out, before Josh Edgin relieved him. Edgin was the only pitcher in the bullpen who came ready to play, striking out all four batters he faced. Then Jenrry Mejia came on in the 9th with a 6-5 lead to maintain, but failed to do so. Mejia gave up a walk and three hits, including a walkoff single by Ryan Howard to put an end to the Mets modest two-game winning streak.
The bullpen's troubles wasted a solid offense outing for the boys from Flushing, which included multi-hit games by David Wright, Curtis Granderson, Travis d'Arnaud, Matt den Dekker and Juan Lagares. Duda and d'Arnaud led off the top of the fifth with back-to-back home runs, which put the Mets up 6-1.
As if blowing a five run lead to your division rivals is not bad enough, the New York Post reported earlier today that the Mets Rookie of the Year candidate, Jacob deGrom, will have his shoulder examined by doctors after experiencing soreness. deGrom has already been scratched for his scheduled start on Tuesday against the first place Nationals.
The Mets will send Jonathon Niese to the mound tomorrow against David Buchanan, as they try to take three of four from Philadelphia.