Pittsburgh– After knuckling through back to back wins the Mets end the final road trip of the first half of the season with a split to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Christian Scott became a victim to the long ball in his sixth start of the year but managed to give the Mets a quality start before being pulled in the 6th inning with two outs. Eric Orze would make his MLB debut relieving Scott, but a walk, single, and infield scribbler gave the Pirates a one run lead. Adrian Houser then came on and added insult to injury giving up a two run double to the first batter he faced, a wild pitch that scored a run, and a home run to quickly give the Pirates a five run lead.
“You talk about finding a soft spot, but that rarely happens. It’s the 6th inning, two outs, nobody on base, he’s been really good against lefties,” Mendoza said on bringing in Orze in the 6th.
In the lightness of a dark game Christian Scott looked sharp after pitching on a normal day’s rest for the first time in his major league career. In 5.2 innings pitched Scott struck out three, only giving up one hit. He has struggled with home runs in his professional career giving up at least one in five out of his six starts with the Mets, but has been the only runs he has given up.
“I feel great, body is in a good spot. I am excited to go out and compete at this level. Whether it is 5 days, 6 days, 7 days it does not really matter to me. I am going to compete at a high level and do whatever it takes to win,” Scott said.
Regardless of the bullpen’s struggle it is no secret that they are very short handed. Edwin Diaz has returned from suspension, but during the duration of his suspension Sean Reid Foley was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a shoulder injury, Drew Smith was placed on the 60-day injured list, and Brooks Raley’s season is done due to Tommy John. With the trade deadline looming and the return of Kodai Senga in the near future the Mets will have more opportunities after the all-star break to help a fatigued bullpen.
The Mets now travel back home to Flushing to take on the Nationals for a three game set and finish the first half of the year with the Colorado Rockies. Jose Quintana is set to face off against Nationals ace Jake Irvin tomorrow night to get the home stand started.