Rockies 1, Mets 0
Chris Nelson drove in the lone run as visiting Colorado completed a four-game sweep of fading New York.
Nelson’s RBI spoiled a tremendous debut from Mets starter Collin McHugh and gave the Rockies their eighth straight win at Citi Field.
Colorado broke the scoreless deadlock in the eighth when Jordany Valdespin, playing out of position in center field, misplayed a fly ball from Tyler Colvin into a triple leading off the frame. The Rockies made the Mets pay for that miscue as Nelson followed and punched a curveball from Bobby Parnell (2-3) to center through the drawn-in infield, scoring Colvin.
McHugh started for the Mets and turned in one of the best major-league debuts club history, striking out nine and walking one while allowing two hits in seven scoreless innings. McHugh’s nine punchouts would have been a club record in a debut if not for fellow rookie Matt Harvey, who fanned 11 in his first appearance last month.
McHugh, 25, retired the last 10 batters he faced and did not allow a hit after D.J. LeMahieu’s single leading off the third. McHugh’s seven scoreless innings were the most for a New York pitcher in his debut since 32-year-old Masato Yoshii premiered on April 5, 1998, after a long professional career in Japan.
Colorado starter Tyler Chatwood went three scoreless innings and four relievers combined to finish off the shutout, with Rex Brothers (8-2) working two innings for the win and Matt Belisle picking up his first save.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Prior to Harvey and McHugh, the Mets’ record for strikeouts in a debut was shared by Tom Seaver and Bill Denehy, who each struck out eight within three days of each other in 1967. … The Rockies’ eight-game winning streak in New York is the largest for any opponent since the Atlanta Braves took 10 straight at Shea Stadium between 1991 and 1992. … LHP Dick Rusteck threw a four-hit shutout in 1966 for the Mets, the longest scoreless debut in team history. … The Rockies activated OF Carlos Gonzalez from the bereavement list and optioned RHP Guillermo Moscoso to Triple-A Colorado Springs. … Colorado 1B Jason Giambi (viral infection) and SS Troy Tulowitzki (groin) will each begin rehab assignments at Double-A Tulsa on Friday.