Mets vs. Cubs Game 54 Recap

CF Michael Conforto

The New York Mets lost to the Chicago Cubs 5-1 tonight and dropped their record to 27-27. RHP Seth Lugo got the start and had a very good outing with four scoreless innings. Lugo's fastball had more velocity than last year as a starter and his curveball showed a sharp break. He gave up three hits with no walks and three strikeouts and had to get out out of one jam in the top of the third. Lugo made the case that he should stay in the rotation since there are question marks with LHP Steven Matz's and RHP Noah Syndergarrd's health. RHP Hansel Robles came in next  in and gave up a two-run homer to 2B Ben Zoborist. LHP Jerry Blevins followed and gave up an RBI double to LF Kyle Schwarber in the top of the sixth inning. LHP Buddy Baumann gave up an RBI ground-out to RF Jason Heyward in the top of the seventh inning and was taken out with two outs and the bases loaded. RHP Scott Copeland had to relieve him and gave up no runs in 1.1 innings. RHP Gerson Bautista came on in the top of the ninth inning and gave up a sac fly to catcher Wilson Contreras.

The offense struggled all night and had their best chance to score in the bottom of the third inning after loading the bases with one out, but LF Jose Bautista struck out and CF Michael Conforto grounded out. RF Brandon Nimmo drove in the only run with a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth inning. This was Nimmo's first homer off a lefty and his sixth overall this season, a career-high and is hitting .287 this season.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night against the Cubs at 7:10 P.M.