As the clock ticks down toward the trading deadline, it was as if this game was a bat signal to David Stearns, shining the spotlight on the Mets’ deficits. What began as a pitcher’s duel ended in a lopsided 7-1 loss to the Padres thanks to a seventh inning bullpen meltdown on the part of the Mets.
The Padres manufactured a run in the first inning thanks to some bold base running by Fernando Tatís Jr. He singled to center to lead things off for the Padres and then advanced to second on a bunt by Luis Arráez, who was clearly trying to bunt for a hit, but still made a productive out nonetheless.