As the saying goes, the momentum in baseball comes from the next day’s starting pitcher.
Despite all the positive sentiment following Monday’s walk-off victory, there was also the realization that the weakest link in the rotation – Jose Quintana – was on the mound on Tuesday.
So, no, the Mets didn’t have any real momentum—Quinnana’s effort didn’t allow for any.
Five days after building and capitalizing on a five-run lead, Quintana was uncompetitive against the Orioles.
After Quintana’s latest slip-up, the Mets had no chance, losing 9-5 in an ugly and one-sided performance in Queens.
It was a nightmarish August for the experienced left-hander.
The Mets (65-61) lost all four of his starts as he posted a horrific ERA of 8.27.
His ERA is now 4.57.
With their loss and the Braves’ victory over the Phillies, the Mets fell three games behind Atlanta in the loss standings for the last NL wild card spot.
Quintana was helped to two-run home runs by Anthony Santander and former Met James McCann, managed two walks and allowed eight hits and seven earned runs in five shoddy innings.
This month he averaged four walks per start and was forced into a deep take four times.
This is a losing combination.
