Adventurous squirrels provided the most memorable moments at Citi Field on Wednesday, as the New York Mets' offense remained dormant in an 8-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Pitcher Robert Stock endured another difficult outing, failing to give the Mets much length.
Early Exit for Brewers Starter
The game saw an early departure for Brewers starting pitcher Dustin May, who left after just one batter. Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing hit a line drive off May’s shoulder/armpit in the first inning. Though May attempted to continue, he was in visible pain and departed after a few warm-up pitches, later diagnosed with a right scapula contusion.
Stock's Struggles and Squirrel Distraction
Journeyman right-hander Robert Stock, stepping in for the traded Freddy Peralta, lasted only four innings. He surrendered 10 hits and seven earned runs, pushing his earned run average to 7.40. In five starts, Stock has not completed the sixth inning, a performance mirroring his Aug. 8 outing against the Pirates where he allowed nine hits and eight earned runs in three innings.
During the third inning, with the Mets trailing and runners on base, a squirrel entered the field of play behind home plate, drawing cheers from the crowd. The distraction did not ignite the Mets' offense, as Carson Benyi flew out to end the inning. Later in the game, a squirrel ran onto the field, further interrupting play.
Brewers Break Game Open
The Brewers established a commanding lead in the top of the fourth inning, scoring six runs on six consecutive hits. Brice Turang’s three-run homer extended Milwaukee's advantage to 7-0.
Robert Gasser, who replaced May, held the Mets to six hits and one run over 5 1/3 innings. His lone mistake was allowing a run-scoring single by Francisco Alvarez in the fourth.
Bo Bichette fouled a pitch off his foot during the third inning and later left the game with a left foot contusion.
Mets interim manager Andy Green indicated uncertainty about potential roster call-ups with the upcoming expansion, suggesting that a prospect like Jonah Tong could be an option to replace Stock in the rotation.
