Neil Ramirez joined the New York Mets approximately one week ago - okay, eight days, but who's counting? They shouldn't be pitching him in high-leverage situations. Manager Terry Collins decided there was no other option on Tuesday night with the San Diego Padres in town. Ramirez only faced one batter, but it ultimately made all the difference between a win and a loss.
Enter Neil Ramirez
Fernando Salas began the seventh inning for the Mets and did so effectively, retiring the first two batters in the frame. Things began to turn against him quickly, though.
He gave up a single and two walks, which loaded the bases with two outs still being tabulated on the scorecard. With a 5-3 lead to protect, Collins decided to turn to Neil Ramirez, who had made just two previous appearances for the team, with one going exceedingly poorly.
This one went just as badly as his first one against the Los Angeles Angels. Wil Myers is the only batter he faced. In fact, Ramirez only threw two pitches: a ball and a hit that went to the deep right center field to bring two of the runs home. Just like that, the game was tied and the relief pitcher's night was over. Josh Edgin came on to finish out the inning, leaving the Mets tied going into the bottom of the seventh.
Mets lose another tight game
In the eighth inning, the Mets gave up a home run - no, Neil Ramirez was not on the mound - and wound up losing 6-5. Following an inspiring 7-run first inning on Tuesday, it seemed like the Padres were an easy opponent for the team to gain ground on. Instead, San Diego served up another reminder that the Mets bullpen is inadequate and that the team isn't going anywhere fast this season.
The ninth inning was probably the biggest embarrassment of the game. Trailing 6-5, the Mets appeared to get some mojo going, loading the bases without recording a single out. Then, struggling outfielder Curtis Granderson stepped up to the plate and was struck out by Brad Hand. Catcher Rene Rivera followed suit, fooled by the same slider.
Outfielder Juan Lagares gave a slight charge into the ball but flew out to ultimately leave three runners stranded on base at the end of the game. It speaks to the team's inability to hit with runners on base and to hit anything other than homers, which doesn't work when the team is facing a power outage. If the Mets don't want to further inflict harm upon themselves, they'll learn to play some more small ball and drop Ramirez from the bullpen.
