After a sloppy loss to the Phillies on Friday, and with time quickly running out for the Mets to scramble into a playoff spot, the Mets entered Saturday’s game desperately needing a victory. The Phillies entered the game on a tear, having won ten of their last eleven games and occupying the second playoff spot in the NL East. The Mets sent Seth Lugo to the mound to start for them, and needed him not only to pitch reasonably well, but also provide them with length.
For the most part, Lugo did just that despite clearly not having his best stuff or command.