The lack of depth in the lineup is finally catching up with the Mets as once again they couldn’t provide any run support for Johan Santana, who suffered his third loss of the season. The Mets seemed to be cursed when they play the Pirates.
The top four batters in the Mets lineup did not produce tonight, going 2-for-12. Luis Castillo hit the only RBI of the game. Jeremy Reed was the only player with a great night at the plate, going 3-for 3.
Santana seems to have weakened at this point in the season. He has given up nine runs in his last three outings, a home run in each of them. The difference is there was enough run support in the previous two games to get wins. Even though he pitched six innings, it was his shortest outing since April 24 when he also went six.
This time the bullpen was solid. Ken Takahashi, Brian Stokes and Sean Green combined for two scoreless innings.
As if it couldn’t get any worse, shortstop Ramon Martinez dislocated his pinkie, awkwardly sliding into home plate to score the only run. He’ll be headed back to New York City to get it checked out. Luckily, Alex Cora came off the disabled list and should be able to fill in Wednesday. Wilson Valdez, who came in for Martinez tonight, also is an option.
Mike Pelfrey, who has been pitching very well lately, will take the mound on Wednesday. The Mets need him to have a great game to avoid suffering a series loss to Pittsburgh.