Mets pitching crumbles in ugly loss to Phillies in second game of critical series

The Mets have counted on one quality start after another during this surge into the lead for a wild-card berth, but Friday they received NQ (as in non-quality) and were NC (as in non-competitive). David Peterson’s worst start of the season coupled with underwhelming relief ended the Mets’ winning streak at four games with a 12-2 loss to the Phillies before 41,474 at Citi Field. Peterson ended the Mets’ streak of quality starts — defined as at least six innings pitched with three earned runs or fewer allowed — at eight by turning in a clunker.The left-hander lasted only 3 ²/₃ innings and allowed five runs, four earned, on eight hits with four strikeouts. Adam Ottavino, Huascar Brazoban and Danny Young had rough nights in relief.

Infielder Eddy Alvarez was enlisted to pitch the ninth and worked a scoreless inning, eliciting chants of “Ed-dy, Ed-dy” from the crowd. The night wasn’t a complete disaster for manager Carlos Mendoza’s crew: Miami beat Atlanta, allowing the Mets to maintain their two-game lead over the Braves for the NL’s third wild card.The Mets and Braves are scheduled to begin a three-game series Tuesday in Atlanta. The Mets played a fifth straight game without Francisco Lindor, who is sidelined with lower back soreness.

Lindor participated in baseball activities pregame, perhaps a positive sign after he was limited to indoor exercises a day earlier. Jose Iglesias, batting leadoff during Lindor’s absence, continued his sizzling play with a homer leading off in the first.The blast extended Iglesias’ hitting streak to 14 games.

The Mets took a 2-0 lead after Starling Marte’s single and a walk to Mark Vientos — a wild pitch by Cristopher Sanchez advanced both of them.Brandon Nimmo’s ground out brought in the run. Pete Alonso’s error led to the Phillies scoring an unearned run in the second.

Alonso misplayed J.T.Realmuto’s pop up, and the ball landed in shallow right field to load the bases with nobody out.

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