8/13 Game Recap: Mets Fall to Dodgers 4-2

Tonight in Los Angeles, the Mets took on the Dodgers in the second game of a three game set.

Aug 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Mets catcher

(44) talks with starting pitcher

(33) on the mound during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets got on the board almost immediately, when Juan Lagares lined the fourth pitch of the game from Hyun-Jin Ryu over the left field fence to give the Mets a 1-0 lead.  While the Mets worked Ryu’s pitch count and had a few opportunities, the game remained 1-0 until the bottom of the fifth.

Matt Harvey opened the game by striking out the first two hitters he faced, but struggled with his command all night and never really looked comfortable on the mound.  By the time the fifth inning rolled around, his inconsistent night finally caught up with him.  With one out, he walked A.J. Ellis before giving up a single to Juan Uribe and a two run double to Nick Punto that put the Dodgers in front 2-1.

In the sixth, Harvey gave up a two out, two run single to A.J. Ellis that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 4-1.

The Mets threatened in the ninth, getting the tying run to the plate after John Buck delivered a two out RBI single to draw them within 4-2.  Ike Davis then pinch hit for Omar Quintanilla, but grounded out to second base on the first pitch he saw from Kenley Jansen to end the game.

Highlights:

• Matt Harvey got the start for the Mets, and battled himself all night.  He gave up 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings pitched, walked 2 and struck out 3 (his lowest strikeout total of the season).

• Juan Lagares hit a solo homer in the 1st inning.

Thoughts:

Tonight was the most hittable Matt Harvey has been since the game against Arizona where he was dealing with a blister.  He threw 95 pitches (61 for strikes), He was hit relatively hard, and his command was worse than his line indicates.  After the first inning, he was falling behind hitters repeatedly, walked 2 (he had walked just 1 since the All-Star break), and was unable to get into a groove with his secondary pitches.  Giving up 4 runs in 6 innings is an OK start for most pitchers.  For Harvey, it’s shocking.  Off nights happen, though.

Next Up:

The Mets wrap up their three game set with the Dodgers tomorrow night at 10:10.  Dillon Gee gets the start for New York.  He’ll be opposed by Chris Capuano.