Mets Drop Second Game in San Francisco

Tuesday July 31^st, 2012

Final Score: New York Mets: 1 San Francisco Giants: 4

Mets Drop Second Game in San Francisco

After taking the first game of the series in San Francisco, the Mets dropped the second one 4-1.  The Mets were unable to give any support to Matt Harvey, who was making his second career major league start and suffered his first career loss.  Lack of defensive awareness and a lack of pop at the plate put the Mets behind the eight-ball.

Harvey threw another good game for the Mets, even though it resulted in a loss.  He shattered the Mets franchise record for strikeouts in his first two starts, racking up 19.  Harvey finished the game with six innings, four hits, three runs (two of which were earned), three walks and seven strikeouts.

Harvey put the blame on himself for the loss but was being unfair and tough on himself.  The defense just did not show up behind him tonight.  There were plays that resulted in errors and mental mistakes throughout the game.  Jordany Valdespin miss played a line drive in the second inning, allowing Buster Posey to get to first on a single.  The bases would eventually be loaded and Harvey would get the groundball for the double play but the defense again let him down.  Ruben Tejada misfired his throw to first, missing out on an opportunity to end the inning on a double play. 

The third run was surrendered in the sixth inning with the bases loaded when Harvey got Marco Scutaro to ground into a double play.  Harvey relied on his changeup more this time around than in his first start and the results would have been as good if not for spotty defense.

Harvey will make his next start in the finale of the road trip Sunday in San Diego against the Padres and Jason Marquis.

Outside of an RBI double by Justin Turner knocking in Scott Hairston in the second inning, the Mets offense was held in check by Tim Lincecum.  David Wright was given the night off for only the sixth time this season but appeared as a pinch hitter.

Wright came on with the bases loaded and was struck out by Lincecum on one of the best curveballs a pitcher can throw.  The strikeout ended really any chance the Mets had at a comeback. 

Lincecum finished the game with seven innings pitched, allowing six hits and one walk equaling one earned run while striking out seven.  This is Lincecum’s fifth win of the season and second against the Mets.

Next up for the Mets and Giants is the third game in the four game series.  The Mets will again have a hard time scoring runs as Jon Niese (7-5, 3.68 ERA) will be opposed by Giants starter and All-Star game starter Matt Cain (10-3, 2.80 ERA).