Game Recap: Young Strong, but No Run Support in 2-0 Loss

The Mets were trying to take the upper hand in their last match-up of the season against the Braves, but it didn’t happen, as Mike Minor and the Atlanta bullpen kept the offense silent. Ruben Tejada went 0-for-4 at the top of the lineup, breaking his 10-game hitting streak.

Mets Offensive Highlights:

As a team, the Mets collected five hits, but no walks on their way to being shut out. New York went three up and three down five times last night, but they had opportunities to score runs in the last three innings of the game, but couldn’t get the big hit they needed. In the seventh, David Wright hit his 41st double of the year to right-center with one out, but he was stranded there. In the eighth, Jason Bay singled, but was erased after Ronny Cedeno hit into a double play. Kelly Shoppach gave it another try with a single of his own, but was also stranded. In the ninth, Tejada reached on an error and Wright was hit by a pitch, but Ike Davis and Lucas Dudaboth struck out to end the ball game. New York went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position last night, leaving five runners on base.

Sept 16, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Mets pitcher Chris Young (55) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Braves Offensive Highlights:

Atlanta put together an 8-hit attack to go along with 1 walk, but even though they went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position, they were able to get the runs they needed to get their 92nd victory of the season. Martin Prado doubled and moved to third on a wild pitch in the first inning, and scored on a Jason Heyward ground out. Their second run came in the fifth inning, as Andrelton Simmons singled to lead things off, was sacrificed to second base, then scored on Prado’s second double. In addition to Prado and Simmons, Dan Uggla also registered two hits last night.

Pitching Highlights:

Mike Minor has proved himself over the second half of the season, and he finished his 2012 before the playoffs with an exclamation point, as he went 6.1 shutout innings, allowed 3 hits and struck out 4. Chad Durbin and Luis Avilan both threw 0.1 of an inning to finish up the seventh and Jonny Venters gave up 2 hits in the eighth, but didn’t allow a run as he built the bridge for Craig Kimbrel. The Braves closer struck out 2 en route to getting his 41st save of the season.

Chris Young was solid in his final start of 2012, going 6 innings and allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts. Elvin Ramirez and Ramon Ramirez each struck out a batter in their one inning of work, but it was too little, too late as the Met offense couldn’t put any runs on the board.

The loss drops the Mets to 73-85 on the season, matching last season’s loss total from 2011. However, they have secured fourth place in the NL East with four games to go, assuring themselves that the Marlins will be occupying the basement for the winter.

Probable Pitchers Sunday:

Jenrry Mejia (1-1, 4.91 ERA) will take the mound for his third start this month in the rubber game, facing off against the “unbeatable” Kris Medlen (9-1, 1.64 ERA). First pitch at Turner Field is set for 1:35pm.