The Mets’ playoff hopes are dwindling, and first innings like Wednesday’s surely won’t help their cause.
Noah Syndergaard gave up six runs — five earned — in the opening frame against the Cubs at Citi Field.
He was replaced by Paul Sewald in the fourth inning after having surrendered 10 runs.
After striking out Jason Heyward to begin the game, the blond flamethrower hit Nicholas Castellanos with a pitch and it all went wrong from there.
Kris Bryant then singled, and an Amed Rosario throwing error kept Chicago’s momentum going. Ian Happ’s two-run shot off a changeup later on put the Cubs on top big.
It was reminiscent of an April first inning in which Steven Matz gave up eight runs against the Phillies and was pulled before recording an out.
The Mets entered the game three games out of the NL wild card, where the Cubs and Nationals reside.
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