Game Recap: Collin McHugh Dazzles in Debut; Offense Continues to Disappoint in 1-0 Loss

It was an exciting day for Collin McHugh, who impressed everyone at Citi Field with an amazing debut, but it was the offensive struggles that continued as the Rockies swept the four-game set, while making their MLB-worst pitching staff look like a bunch of Cy Young candidates.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

It was another day of missed opportunities for the New York offense, as they went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position, leaving 12 men on base. The Amazins put together a seven-hit attack, and while Jordany Valdespin, Daniel Murphy, and David Wright all got hits at the top of the order, but they didn’t come at the same time, so no runs were scored. Their last chance to tie the game came when Justin Turner singled to start the 9th inning and Andres Torres was inserted to pinch run. He was sacrificed to second base for Murphy and Wright to have a chance to avoid the loss, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Rockies Offensive Highlights:

The Colorado lineup was in knots all afternoon with McHugh on the mound, but once he made his exit after 7 spectacular innings, the offense was immediately able to jump on the Bobby Parnell and the bullpen. Tyler Colvin continued his solid series with a triple to center that was terribly misplayed by Jordany Valdespin (also playing out of position), then Chris Nelson drove in the first run of the ballgame with a single to center.

Pitching Highlights:

Pitching ruled the day at Citi Field, yet the Rockies used their pitching staff a little differently than the Mets, but it was just as effective. Tyler Chatwood threw 65 pitches in his 3 shutout innings, while giving up 3 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 3. Adam Ottavino came on in relief to continue to keep New York off the board, as he threw 2 more shutout innings, as did Rex Brothers. Despite giving up a double to Ruben Tejada with two outs in the 8th, Will Harris was able to escape the inning without surrendering the lead. Matt Belisle registered his first save of the season to secure the sweep.

Collin McHugh certainly made his presence felt in his MLB debut, as he dominated Colorado in 7 shutout innings, only giving up 2 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 9 hitters. However, he ends up with the no-decision because the offense couldn’t give him any support. Bobby Parnell came on in relief and allowed 1 run on 3 hits in the 8th inning to give the Rockies the upper hand. Jon Rauch followed Parnell with yet another scoreless inning in the 9th.

The Mets now drop to 57-68; they have lost five straight and continue their most recent tail spin.

Probable Pitchers Friday:

Jonathon Niese (10-6, 3.49 ERA) looks to continue his hot streak in front of the home crowd, as the Mets welcome in Jordan Lyles (2-10, 5.70 ERA) and the Houston Astros into town. First pitch in Flushing is scheduled for 7:10pm.