The New York Mets squandered a stellar start by Max Scherzer in his return from injury, losing 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday on Mike Moustakas’ game-ending sacrifice fly.
Scherzer struck out 11 while throwing two-hit ball over six innings in his first start since May 18.
The ace had been sidelined from the mound by a left side oblique strain.
In a largely fastball-based effort, Scherzer, who turns 38 in three weeks, allowed only one runner to reach third base. And he responded by striking out Matt Reynolds to settle the second inning.
Rookie Nick Lodolo combined with four relievers in a six-hit effort for Cincinnati. Hunter Strickland (2-2) got three outs for the win against the NL East leaders.
Tommy Pham opened the ninth with a double to the left-field corner off Seth Lugo (1-2). Tyler Naquin was intentionally walked before Donovan Solano walked to load the bases.
Moustakas’ fly ball to center field pushed Pham in with the winning run.
For the Mets, the Dominican Starling Marte 2-2. Puerto Rican Francisco Lindor 4-0. The Venezuelan Eduardo Escobar 3-0.
For the Reds, Colombian Solano 3-1.
