The Mets struggled to get much going on offense, losing 4-2 to the Marlins on Thursday night. >> Box score
Five Takeaways from Thursday's game
1) In what could be his final appearance as member of the Mets, Zack Wheeler pitched one of his best games of the season. The righty allowed three earned runs on just five hits, while striking out 10 batters. Wheeler had allowed just two hits heading into the eighth inning, but gave up two home runs, including a two-run blast from Tyler Heineman -- the first of his career. The other homer was hit by former Met, Curtis Granderson (12). Wheeler hadn't given up a home run since Aug. 24 against the Atlanta Braves.
2) With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, Mickey Callaway decided to keep Zack Wheeler in to bat. He delivered the biggest hit of his career with a bloop single to center field, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead. Brandon Nimmo then delivered a sacrifice fly to extend the Mets lead to 2-0.
3) Edwin Diaz allowed yet another home run in the ninth inning, this time to outfielder Austin Dean, extending the Marlins lead to 4-2.
4) Pete Alonso's hunt for the rookie home run record will have to wait another night, as the first baseman went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts for the first time in his career.
5) Marlins starting pitcher Jordan Yamamoto threw the best game of his young career, allowing no runs and just one hit in 6.0 innings of work. The rookie set a career-high for strikeouts in a game with 10, and walked just three batters.
Highlights
Video: Wheeler, Nimmo get Mets on the board in 7th inning
What's next
The Mets start their final series of the season against the Atlanta Braves on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY. RHP Marcus Stroman (9-13, 3.23 ERA) starts for the Mets, while LHP Dallas Keuchel (8-7, 3.59 ERA) takes the mound for the Braves.
