Collins calls for slumping Mets to 'lighten it up'

Mets manager Terry Collins discusses a 6-1 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Friday nightNEW YORK -- With the specter of another loss caused by too many missed opportunities looming over the Mets' clubhouse, manager Terry Collins delivered a simple message: "We have to lighten it up around here."

The call to "have some fun" came after a 6-1 loss to the Rockies at Citi Field in which the Mets' familiar nemesis of not hitting with runners in scoring position showed up once again. New York finished Friday's outing 0-for-8 in those situations and left seven men on base.

"We have a good team," Collins said. "We are going through a rough time right now. We haven't hit with runners in scoring position…