The Mets were still within striking distance when Carlos Mendoza decided to call to the bullpen in the fourth inning for right-hander Adam Ottavino. When the top of the fourth ended, the Phillies had blown the game wide open and the Mets were looking at a six-run deficit in what eventually turned into a in a crucial game against their National League East rival. As a whole, the Mets bullpen surrendered seven runs on nine hits on a night that Mendoza even turned to infielder Eddy Alvarez to pitch in the ninth to try to preserve some of their arms with the game all but over. But the decision to pull David Peterson for Ottavino was one that loomed large over the defeat. Adam Ottavino struggled in his relief appearance on Friday night. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post The Mets manager said that he felt he needed to be aggre sive after his starter allowed four runs on eight hits in his 3 / innings of work, which was the shortest start of the season for the southpaw Peterson. Explore More I thought the second time through [the lineup] they were putting together some really good at-bats, Mendoza explained Luis Gonzalez Jersey . They made some really good adjustments and put the barrel on the ball. I thought I needed to be aggre sive there and it didnt work. Ottavino entered Fridays game with a 4.21 ERA through 51 / innings this season, while the Mets had used him sparingly in high-leverage situations in 2024. Mendozas reasoning for turning to Ottavino was succinct. Carlos Mendoza attempted to use Adam Ottavino to keep the game close on Friday night. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post I liked the right-on-right matchup, so, didnt work, the Mets skipper said straightforwardly. Ottavino took over with two outs and a runner on base with Trea Turner at the plate. The reliever allowed a Turner single to drive home Johan Rojas from third to extend the Phillies lead. After walking Bryce Harper intentionally, Ottavino gave up a three-run blast to Alec Bohm on a 1-1 sweeper that he sent into the left-field stands to make it an 8-2 ballgame. Adam Ottavino pitches in the Mets lo s to the Phillies. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Its kind of the story. I mean, it really wasnt much to it. Fourteen pitches and kind of ruined everything right there, Ottavino told The Post. The righty, who added he was excited to contribute, explained he fell behind against Harper, which led to the intentional walk, and Bohm got a good pitch to hit for his three-run homer. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! I think hes getting ahead, but not finishing hitters when he needs, Mendoza said of Ottavinos recent outings. While the reliever said he would be able to push forward after the disappointing night, it didnt le sen the sting of what transpired. It just sucks. I mean, Ive been dying to contribute, Ottavino said. Havent had hardly any opportunities. Had a mini-opportunity there and didnt get it done. So it hurts, but what are you going to do. Tyler Fitzgerald Jersey