NEW YORK -- Ever since the Trade Deadline came and went, the Mets’ revised bullpen showed it could be tough against opponents.
Entering Sunday’s action, New York’s relievers had combined for a 2.89 ERA since Aug. 4, which ranked fifth-best in the Major Leagues. But in the series finale against the Astros at Citi Field, New York's 'pen had problems in a 6-3 loss.
Mets left-hander Zac Thornton left the game after five innings with New York holding a 3-2 lead, but right-hander Jonathan Pintaro entered in the sixth and allowed a two-run, two-out homer to pinch-hitter LaMonte Wade Jr. to give Houston a one-run advantage.
An inning later, left-hander Jefry Yan allowed two more runs (one earned). With the bases loaded and one out, Daulton Varsho grounded out to first baseman Jared Young, who stepped on first for the second out of the inning. But Young rushed his throw home as he tried to get Isaac Paredes at the plate for the third out. The ball went past catcher Luis Torrens for an error, which allowed both Paredes and Jose Altuve to score.
Thornton did enough in his attempt to win his fourth game of the season, allowing two runs. After a slow start in the first two frames, he retired nine of the last 11 hitters he faced.