Game Recap: Jenrry Mejia Can’t Get Past Big Inning in 9-6 Loss

Yesterday was Jenrry Mejia‘s first MLB start in exactly two years, but it didn’t go exactly how he was planning. The Mets jumped out to a three-run lead after three and a half innings, but it was a big fourth inning that propeled the Brewers to a victory, putting them back over .500.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

The Amazins were able to put another run on the board in the first inning with the help of a small rally; Daniel Murphy singled and Ike Davis walked in front of Lucas Duda, who hit an RBI single. They didn’t strike again until the fourth, as Jordany Valdespin singled to lead off, then moved to second a wild pitch before stealing third base. Andres Torres walked, then moved to second as Mejia sacrificed him over and Valdespin scored. Ruben Tejada singled to right field to plate another run before Murphy doubled in Tejada as well. As they watched Milwaukee take the lead into the late innings, the Mets tried to mount a comeback in the ninth, as David Wrightwalked in front of Davis, who hit his 27th homer of the season, but it wasn’t enough. Murphy and Davis both collected three hits each, while Duda earned two himself.

September 7, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia (32) walks off the field after pitching the eighth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Brewers Offensive Highlights:

Milwaukee responded to to the early run from the Mets immediately in the bottom of the first inning, as Rickie Weeks walked in front of Ryan Braun, who doubled him home. Then, once they watched New York grab a 4-1 lead in the top of the fourth, the Brew Crew put together a rally to chase Mejia from the game and take the lead back for good. Nyjer Morgan walked to lead off, followed by a Jean Segura single. Logan Schafer tripled them both home to bring them within one, and he eventually scored on a wild pitch from Jeremy Hefner, who had just entered the game. To add a cherry on top, Weeks hit a two-run homer, his 20th of the season. Morgan again singled in the fifth and scored on a Travis Ishikawa triple this time. Norichika Aoki then singled him in to bring in the eighth run of the evening. Segura drew a lead-off walk in the seventh before Weeks doubled him home with the ninth and final run of the night for Milwaukee, who went 6-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Pitching Highlights:

Mejia got hit hard, but he didn’t have great control, which lead to the big inning and his early exit. The young righty went 3 innings and allowed 5 runs on 6 hits and 5 walks without striking anyone out. It was his first start in a while since he was recalled from Triple-A, but 11 baserunners in 3 innings isn’t going to cut it. Hefner limited the damage to one more run in his inning pitched, while Justin Hampson and Collin McHugh each gave up a run in their combined inning. Manny Acosta, Elvin Ramirez, and Jeurys Familia all appeared in the game without giving up a run, while Robert Carson couldn’t make it through his appearance unscathed, giving up a run.

Shaun Marcum didn’t fare much better in his start, as he went 4 innings and allowed 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 3. Brandon Kintzler struck out 2 in his inning of work to get the win, while Jose Veras, Francisco Rodriguez, and Jim Henderson each pitched a shutout inning before John Axford gave up the two-run homer to Davis.

The Mets are now 66-79 on the season, just four losses away from clinching yet another losing season, their fourth in a row.

Probable Pitchers Sunday:

Chris Young (4-7, 4.39 ERA) is taking the mound this afternoon, hoping to take the rubber game of this three-game set with Milwaukee. The Brewers will look to stay hot with Wily Peralta (1-0, 3.46 ERA) toeing the slab. First pitch at Miller Park is slated for 2:10pm.