The New York Mets found themselves chasing the game almost immediately for a second consecutive night, falling 9-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday at Citi Field. St. Louis built another early cushion behind a six-run outing against David Peterson, while New York’s offense struggled to generate sustained pressure as the Mets dropped to 29-38.
The Cardinals struck first against opener Austin Warren, who allowed two runs in a laborious first inning. Peterson entered in relief but was unable to slow St. Louis, surrendering six runs on seven hits across 3.2 innings. He walked two, struck out one and allowed a pair of home runs as the Cardinals steadily expanded their lead.
New York’s best opportunity to change the game’s direction came in the third inning. Trailing 4-0, the Mets loaded the bases with two outs after Juan Soto drew a walk from Andre Pallante. But Jared Young rolled a groundout to end the threat, leaving the comeback bid stalled before it could begin.
Francisco Alvarez provided the lone offensive highlight in the fourth, drilling a two-run homer to cut the deficit to 7-2. The Mets managed little else afterward as Cardinals pitchers retired 16 straight batters before a ninth-inning hit-by-pitch snapped the streak.
Cionel Pérez contributed 1.1 scoreless innings in relief, while Jonathan Pintaro allowed one run over three innings after being recalled earlier in the day.
The Mets and Cardinals wrap up their three-game series Thursday at Citi Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. New York has yet to announce a starter.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
