Mets’ Max Scherzer Allows 4 Homers in Wild-Card Loss to Padres

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Mets made Max Scherzer, the ace of the Mets, the highest-paid player in baseball history, by awarding him a three year $130 million contract. He was the biggest signing in the second year of owner Steven A. Cohen’s overhaul of a franchise that had endured more than its fair share of headaches and losses over the years.

It worked — to an extent. Despite missing nine weeks due to injuries, Scherzer, 38 was a star on the mound. And in the clubhouse, he helped change the Mets’ culture and became one of the key leaders that guided them to their first playoff appearance since 2016.

Tabbed with the Game 1 assignment on Friday in the Mets’ best-of-three wild-card series against the San Diego Padres, Scherzer failed to deliver in his role. In fact, he produced the worst postseason start of his decorated 15-year career in the Mets’ 7-1 loss. Scherzer gave up seven runs and four homers in his 27th postseason appearance.

As he made his way to the mound in the fifth innings, Scherzer was booed by the 41,621 Citi Field fans. Flushing's atmosphere changed in a matter of minutes. The Padres continued to blast balls into the stands, making it eerie and loud.

“I’m disappointed,” Scherzer said. “Baseball can take you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and this is one of the lowest of lows.”

The 101-win Mets are on the brink of elimination. The Mets were eliminated from the playoffs after losing their National League East division to the Atlanta Braves during the final days of the regular season. And in this year’s new postseason format, that meant hosting the second wild-card team, the 89-win Padres.

The Mets’ fate now falls to their other ace, Jacob deGrom, in Game 2 on Saturday at Citi Field.

Despite having several star hitters, the Padres struggled to produce consistent offense this season. Even after the Aug. 2, trade deadline, the Padres still struggled to produce a consistent offense. They traded for Juan Soto, the Washington Nationals' superstar, and Josh Bell (the standout first baseman).

Bell hit.192 after joining the Padres with three home runs. During the same time, Bell struggled with his fellow outfielders Jurickson Profar (213) and Trent Grisham (2144). All three looked like sluggers against Scherzer.

After Profar had reached base, Bell drove a Scherzer fastball to the plate and into the left field seats for the two-run homer. Grisham did the exact same to a Scherzer pitch, but to right field for a solo blast.

The Mets were able to win despite trailing by 3-0. Their offense is built around hitting for an average and getting on base, rather than smashing the ball over a fence. They were tied for 15th (out of 30 teams) in home runs during the regular season, meaning a comeback wasn’t as likely to happen quickly or forcefully.

The Mets’ All-Star outfielder Starling Marte tried his best to provide a boost in his return from a fractured finger that had kept him out since Sept. 6. He walked and stole two bases, despite wearing a splint. His teammates failed to drive him in, which was the theme of the evening.

Staked to a big lead, Yu Darvish, the San Diego Padres ace, neutralized the Mets’ offense for seven innings with his wide array of dipping and cutting pitches.

Profar stole the ball over the right field fence to punish another Scherzer error. Profar scored three runs with two runners on in fifth inning. Profar and Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim each placed a finger over their mouths after scoring, as if trying to silence the already quiet crowd.

Two batters later, the boos came after Scherzer surrendered a line-drive solo home run to Padres’ All-Star third baseman Manny Machado. Buck Showalter, Mets Manager, hurried toward the mound. Scherzer kicked his pitching rubber and flipped it into his glove. Showalter received the ball and he dejectedly walked towards the Mets dugout.

The Mets are now one loss away from repeating that disappointment after an exciting regular season that rekindled the hope of a fan base that had grown used to seeing other teams in October.