Game Recap: Kris Medlen Dominant as Mets Lose 6-2

I said it on Friday, and I’ll say it again today; when Kris Medlen is on the mound, the Braves win. For the 23rd straight start, Atlanta won when Medlen starts, breaking the MLB record. The young hurler improves to 10-1 at the expense of Jenrry Mejia and the Mets.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

It was tough for the Mets to put runs on the board again, as they struggled with runners in scoring position this afternoon (1-for-7). In the first, Daniel Murphy doubled and Ike Davis walked, but Scott Hairston grounded out to end the inning and early threat. They did score in the third, as Ruben Tejada singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. He eventually scored as Justin Turner hit a grounder to Freddie Freeman, but threw the ball away, plating the first run of the game for the Amazins. Nothing happened again until the ninth, as Ike Davis doubled and moved to third on another wild pitch. Lucas Duda walked, and Andres Torresdrove in the second and last run of the afternoon.

Sep 24, 2012; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia (32) pitches during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PREWIRE

Braves Offensive Highlights:

The decisive blow for Atlanta came in the second inning; Chipper Jones drew a lead off walk, then advanced to third off a Freeman double. Dan Uggla grounded out, but David Ross provided the muscle with a three run homer that sailed into the left field stands. Another run was added in the fifth as Michael Bourn doubled and came around to score on a double off the bat of Jason Heyward. In the sixth, Uggla reached base after being hit with the pitch, then scored thanks to an Andrelton Simmons triple. With two outs, Bourn didn’t strand him on third, singling him home for the sixth and final run of the game for Atlanta. Bourn and Simmons were the only two hitters on either team to record multi-hit games.

Pitching Highlights:

Jenrry Mejia got burned by Ross’ homer, but still managed to go 5 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Collin McHugh came in to pitch the sixth, and his struggles continued as he gave up 2 more runs. Justin Hampson and Manny Acosta both contributed scoreless innings of relief.

Kris Medlen continues to impress on the mound, throwing 6 innings and only allowing an unearned run on 3 hits, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts. His season ERA has now dropped to 1.57. Luis Avilan struck out 3 in 2 innings of relief, and Cory Gearrin tried to take the ninth, but after 0.2 innings pitched and a run allowed he gave way to Craig Kimbrel, who got the final out and his 42nd save of the season.

The Mets have lost two in a row, and at 73-86, they have assured the fact they will be finishing with a worse record than 2011.

Probable Pitchers Monday:

The Mets travel to Miami to take on the Marlins in their final series of 2012. Jeurys Familia (0-0, 8.64 ERA) will be making his first start since being called up and working out of the bullpen, as he takes on Josh Johnson (8-14, 3.81 ERA).