Bringin’ Cespy back!
HITS HR IN RETURN, BUT METS LOSE
THE good news was that Yoenis Cespedes clearly felt fine. The bad news was that Noah Syndergaard gave up 10 hits, equaling the most he’s ever given up in a game as the Mets fell to the Braves, 3-2, at Citi Field Tuesday. The Mets (17-10) dropped to 1-3 against the Braves (17-11) this season. While it’s early, the Braves did pull within a half game of the Mets in the National League East race.
After leaving Sunday’s game with a sore left thumb and saying he expected to miss two or three games, Cespedes came out and went 3-for-4 Tuesday. That included a solo shot off Mike Soroka, the Braves rookie who seemed baffle the Mets. Cespedes had a hit in six straight at-bats, dating back to Sunday. He extended his hitting streak to seven games, hitting .440 in that span.
Syndergaard, who was originally scheduled to pitch tonight but was moved up when Steven Matz had back soreness, obviously did not have his best stuff, even though he was pitching on normal rest. The Braves pounded his fastball, scoring three in the first inning. Syndergaard walked one and struck out a season-low three.
“This loss really is on me,” Syndergaard said. “They came out aggressive and ambushed me. I just have to tip my hat to them. First inning, I couldn’t grip the ball all that well, so I was trying to force pitches in there instead of being free and easy and letting it happen.”