Mets split series with Padres; Lose 3-2

The New York Mets wrapped up their four game series against the San Diego Padres this afternoon at Citi Field. The Mets were looking for a series win with a victory today. Angel Pagan wasn’t in the lineup today as he sat with back spasms. The Mets have been hit by injuries all season long, but each time they have fought back. Today they had to take on the Padres looking to get over .500 for the season going on the road.

Today the offense was able to jump out to a early two-run lead on a Lucas Duda two-run double. That run came in the third inning with the Mets up 2-0. The Padres would tie the game in the 7th inning on a Luis Martinez RBI single. The Padres would take the lead on a Ruben Tejada error that plated a run. The Mets would have to comeback yet again if they wanted to win this game.

Jon Niese started for the Mets looking to earn a win. He would last 7.2 innings allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits. He really didn’t pitch badly, but Ruben Tejada committed a costly error that plated a run and gave the Padres a lead. That error would put Niese on the hook if the Mets couldn’t comeback and win the game. Niese tied a career high with 122 pitches in which he threw 82 strikes. His pitches were working in perfect succession and gave the Padres hitters a fit.

Cory Luebke started for the Padres looking to get his team a win. Luebke went five innings allowing two runs on three hits with four walks and eight strikeouts. He gave up the early runs, but he was able to settle down and keep his team in the ball game. He didn’t pitch deep into the game, but he did enough to keep his team in the game.

The Mets were unable to get the lead, thus losing the game 3-2. The Mets would fall under .500 and split the series against the Padres. This series started the Mets way, but the last two games they have struggled in late game situations. Ruben Tejada struggled with his defense today as he committed two errors. He now has eight errors on the year and hasn’t been that sharp since being recalled when Jose Reyes went on the disabled list. He is young and mistakes are a part of the growing process, but he needs to figure out how to handle himself in the clutch.