The New York Mets lost to the Chicago Cubs by a final score of 8-7 Friday night, dropping Game 1 of the three game series. The game went back and forth, but the Mets proved unable to come back from after the Cubs scored five runs in the fifth. They managed a rally in the bottom of the ninth, but came up just short.
Trouble started for Johan Santana early, giving up a leadoff home run to Reed Johnson to start the game. The Mets answered with a run in the second on a Lucas Duda home run and in the third on a Ronny Cedeno double, but Chicago tied it 2-2 in the fourth. The fifth was where things came apart for Santana, starting with singles to the first two batters. Anthony Rizzo took Santana deep, making it 5-2 Cubs. Jeff Baker added a solo home run and after two more singles Luis Valbuena singled in another run, ending Santana's night with the score 7-2 Chicago. The Mets added a run in the sixth and both teams scored in the eighth, leaving it 8-5 in the bottom of the ninth.
Jordany Valdespin started the rally with a solo home run with one out. The Mets then took advantage of Carlos Marmol's struggles, as they took three straight walks to load the bases. A single from Ike Davis knocked in two more runs, leaving the Mets within one, but a Lucas Duda ground into a double play to end the game.
With the loss the Mets drop to 45-39. Game 2 of the three game series is scheduled for Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET.
Stick with this StoryStream for previews, scores and more from the Mets vs. Cubs series. For all things Mets, check out Amazin' Avenue.
