Mets fall to Padres in Game 1 of NL Wild Card Series

October 8, 2022

Max Scherzer gave up four home runs over 4 1/3 innings as the Mets fell to the Padres, 7-1, in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Citi Field on Friday night.

Scherzer, who came into the game with a 3.22 ERA in the postseason, was not himself early on, allowing a two-run home run to Josh Bell in the top of the first inning. It was downhill from there as Scherzer allowed three more home runs en route to seven earned runs in a disappointing start for the Mets. During the ESPN telecast, there was talk about Scherzer not looking comfortable and possibly being injured, which could explain the subpar outing.

Even with not seemingly pitching at 100 percent, Scherzer was not himself in the series opener.

"Baseball can take you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and this one is one of the lowest of lows," said Scherzer.

The Amazins were no better offensively, scoring just one run on an Eduardo Escobar solo home run in the fifth. Among the X-Factors discussed in the series preview was the Mets' ability to capitalize with runners in scoring position. That proved impossible as the Mets went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left eight players on base. Just Escobar and Starling Marte, who is still most likely not 100 percent from a broken right middle finger, were the only Mets with two hits.

Yu Darvish, who is 5-0 with a 2.36 ERA against the Mets in his career (including 3-0 at Citi Field), continued his dominance against New York on Friday. The righty allowed six hits and struck out four over an outing that featured Darvish keeping Met hitters off balance throughout his appearance. New York attempted to get to Darvish by stealing bases (three in the game), but they could not push those runs home in the end.

Another point of contention heading into the series was the production from the catcher position. Tomas Nido was behind the plate and went 0-for-2 as he was pinch hit for by Luis Guillome, who struck out against Darvish in the seventh.

The Padres worked well against Scherzer as Trent Grisham, Jurickson Profar, and Manny Machado all homered for San Diego. While San Diego did not score any runs after Scherzer left the game, you can assume that the team's confidence is high heading into Game 2 on Saturday.

With the Mets facing elimination on Saturday night, all eyes will be on Jacob deGrom, who will be on the mound for the Mets with their season on the line. The Mets' ace is 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA in his last four starts, which makes his outing even more critical with the season on the line.

"It's reality," said Mets manager Buck Showalter. "It's an opportunity, and we'll get on tomorrow to right the ship.

What's Next For The Mets

The Mets look to force a decisive third game as they face the Padres at Citi Field on Saturday night. As previously mentioned, Jacob deGrom will face San Diego's Blake Snell, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:37 p.m.

Stay with Jersey Sporting News for complete coverage throughout the Mets' playoff run.