The Mets are trying to figure out their pitching. Just as they are figuring out the delicate balance of trying to keep young arms healthy and sharp down the stretch as they add Steven Matz back into an over-flowing rotation, the bullpen is coming up short.
Tuesday night, starter Jon Niese struggled and the bullpen imploded as the Mets fell to the last-place Phillies 14-8 at Citi Field.
The Mets (73-59), who went into the game with a 6.5-game lead in the National League East, lost for the third time in five games and the first time to the Phillies (53-80) in 11 games, dating back to May 8.