It was an unlucky seventh inning that led the New York Mets (73-81) to the 11-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals (85-69) on Tuesday night baseball. The Metropolitans had two leads in the game, before three relief pitchers allowed for a Cardinal comeback.

The Mets took their first lead of the game, jumping all over St. Louis starter Edwin Jackson in the top of the first inning-thanks to an RBI double from Lucas Duda (21).  New York added to that lead in the top of the third, plating three runs.

Lance Berkman laced a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth, making the game 5-5, before the Mets responded with a crucial run in the top of the seventh.

Clinging to a one-run lead, New York called in relief pitcher Josh Stinson (L, 0-2) to keep the game close. Things started out well for the young hurler, as Josh was able to record the first two outs. Sadly though, it was the big bats of Berkman and Albert Pujols that opened the floodgates of offense for the Cardinals.

St. Louis plated six runs in that unlucky inning, which eventually propelled them to a crucial victory. Right now the Cardinals are in the hunt for a playoff spot in October, along with Atlanta and San Francisco-so any victory right now is a big one.

The Mets will look to continue to play the spoiler in this Wild Card Race in Game Two on Wednesday. Chris Schwinden (0-2, 5.40 ERA) makes his third start for New York, and is scheduled to take on Jamie Garcia (12-7, 3.59 ERA). With the first pitch is slated for 8:15 p.m.

Written on September 21, 2011