Bettis pitches Rockies past the slumping Mets

New York — Chad Bettis pitched seven smooth innings, Nolan Arenado homered early off the big apple at Citi Field, and the Colorado Rockies shut down the slumping New York Mets in a 2-0 victory Saturday night.

Pinch-hitter David Dahl gave the Rockies an insurance run with a twoout RBI single off Robert Gsellman in the ninth, though left fielder Yoenis Cespedes threw out a runner at the plate on the play. Adam Ottavino and Wade Davis finished a six-hitter that took just under 2½ hours, sealing Colorado's fourth straight win.

Despite a solid start by Steven Matz (1-3), the staggering Mets fell to 0-5 on their six-game homestand. They have dropped eight of 10 overall — and 12 of 17 following a 12-2 start.

Bettis (4-1) allowed six hits in his latest fine performance away from home and was helped in the sixth when Todd Frazier lined into an inning-ending double play with two on. Besides that, New York rarely threatened.

The right-hander, who returned last season after being treated for testicular cancer, entered 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA in five road starts this season.

Ottavino overcame a leadoff walk and a stolen base in the eighth when Jay Bruce flied out to the left-field warning track, ending the inning with a runner at second. Davis, who barely held on for a shaky save Friday night, worked a 1-2-3 ninth this time for his 13th save in 14 chances.

Matz permitted three hits over six innings, his longest start of the year. His only blemish came in the first, when Arenado launched a solo shot that banged off the Home Run Apple beyond the 408-foot sign in straightaway center field for his third home run in nine at-bats against the lefthander.

Matz struck out five and walked one in his first start since April 25. His turn in the rotation was skipped Tuesday because of back stiffness.

Trainer's room

Mets: Jacob deGrom (3-0, 1.87 ERA) threw a bullpen and is all set to make his scheduled start Monday night in Cincinnati. "Felt great," manager Mickey Callaway said. "No issues whatsoever." The right-hander, who has tossed 18 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings, exited Wednesday's outing against Atlanta with a hyperextended pitching elbow that flared up when he swung and missed at a pitch.

That gave the Mets a major scare, but tests and exams came back clean. Callaway said deGrom can bunt but will be told not to swing Monday.