Scouting is different in 2020. Even though the Mets had never seen Humberto Mejía — even though no big league team had seen Mejía, whose previous experience topped out at Class A Advanced — the Mets had video and data available to take a look at him. Same for the parade of Marlins relievers that pitched in Friday’s game, and for any hitters that might have been unfamiliar to the Mets.
On this night, it didn’t matter. Unable to solve Mejía, the Mets didn’t fare much better throughout the rest of their 4-3 loss to the Marlins at soggy Citi Field, falling deeper into last place in the National League East.
At 5-9, the Mets are now five games back of the Marlins, whose surprising 7-1 record is best in the Majors.
The only Met to touch Mejía was Dominic Smith, who homered in the second inning to rack up his team-leading eighth RBI. By that point, however, the Mets were already trailing due to Francisco Cervelli’s three-run homer off Michael Wacha. Although Wacha struck out the side in the first inning and ended his night with three scoreless innings, Miami’s four-run rally in the second handed him a loss.
The Mets did rally for two runs in the eighth, but they could not push across the tying run despite having the bases loaded with one out.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].