The New York Mets (23-14) couldn’t solve Zac Gallen for a second straight start, managing just four hits in a 5-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks (19-17) on Tuesday night at Chase Field.
New York scratched out its lone run in the third thanks to patient at-bats from Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso, who each drew walks, the last of which forced in a run after an overturned double play extended the inning. However, Gallen locked in from there, retiring 11 straight and allowing just two hits over seven strong innings.
David Peterson held Arizona hitless through three innings before defensive miscues opened the door. A misplayed grounder at third and a passed ball set up two early Diamondbacks runs. Peterson ran into more trouble in the sixth when a misplaced fastball was crushed by Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for a two-run homer. Despite the damage, Peterson gave the Mets six innings, striking out six while allowing four runs, three of them earned.
Francisco Alvarez was a bright spot, going 2-for-3 and recording half of New York’s hits. The Mets threatened in the ninth with two runners aboard, but couldn’t capitalize. Brandon Nimmo, who appeared to tweak his knee earlier, finished 0-for-4 and is now hitless in his last 14 at-bats.
With the series tied, the Mets will look to bounce back in the finale Wednesday afternoon behind Kodai Senga (3-2, 1.38 ERA) as they take on Merrill Kelly (3-1, 4.06 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 3:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].