Mets rookie starting pitcher Zack Wheeler had one of many firsts in his career Sunday against the Nationals. Unfortunately, it was Wheeler's first career loss in a 13-2 drubbing.
The right-hander had a promising start, as he struck out his first two batters and escaped with a perfect first inning. But the second inning started with a leadoff home run from Adam LaRoche and it quickly spiraled out of control.
Wheeler surrendered four runs in the second inning and gave up another solo home run to Jayson Werth in the third inning. Wheeler (1-1) was pulled in the fifth inning, having allowed five runs on six hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five.
"I'm starting to learn the hard way you can't get away with mistakes up here as much as you do down there," Wheeler said, per ESPN.
Wheeler will look to get back on track Friday at Milwaukee, which will be his third career road start.