David Peterson gets shellacked, bats no-show as Mets take ugly loss to Pirates
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.PITTSBURGH — The Mets have four starting pitchers on the injured list and another key rotation member in a slump. It’s hardly an ideal formula for success. David Peterson, who had assumed the role of rotation ace with Kodai Senga sidelined, turned in a second straight clunker Friday night, burying the Mets early in a 9-1 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. The Mets, who seemed back on track after winning two straight against the Braves to earn a series split (they had previously lost 10 of 11 games), didn’t offer much resistance at the plate.
They finished 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position on a night when Mark Vientos returned from an IL stint.Vientos went hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts. Earlier in the day, Griffin Canning underwent surgery for a ruptured left Achilles that will cost him the remainder of the season.
The right-hander joined Senga, Tylor Megill and Sean Manaea among Mets starting pitchers on the IL. Peterson lasted 4 ²/₃ innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits with three walks.It was a second straight start in which Peterson failed to complete five innings.
The left-hander surrendered four runs over four innings against the Phillies in his previous start. Peterson walked Joey Bart with one out in the third to start a rally in which the Pirates sent nine batters to the plate and scored four runs.Ke’Bryan Hayes and Jared Triolo delivered consecutive singles to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead before Alexander Canario hit a shot to right field on which Juan Soto started inward.
Soto was forced to retreat, with the ball sailing over his head for an RBI double. Isiah Kiner-Falefa followed with an RBI single that gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead.Tommy Pham’s RBI fielder’s choice delivered the inning’s fourth run before Peterson allowed his fifth hit of the inning, a single to...