Seth Lugo’s three perfect innings were diametrically opposed to Rick Porcello’s disappointing outing. But the reliever-turned-starter, making his first start in two years, saw his scoreless night end after 39 pitches. Once manager Luis Rojas turned to the bullpen, the Mets’ unreliable relief corps paired with the offense’s inability to connect with runners in scoring position sealed their fate.
Before Tuesday night, Lugo last started a game on June 25, 2018. He compiled a 13-8 record on a 4.06 ERA over 31 starts for the Mets from 2016-18. Since then, he’s molded into the team’s best relief pitcher.