Sure, there was a big hit from Jonathan Villar, but a two-run homer alone can’t be expected to carry a team. Gradually, the Mets withered, and their seven-game winning streak was declared dead on Brett Phillips’ walkoff RBI single against Aaron Loup in a 3-2 loss to the Rays at Tropicana Field.

Miguel Castro loaded the bases in the ninth before the lefty Loup entered to retire pinch-hitter Joey Wendle for the second out. Phillips ended it with a single to right-center.

David Peterson had his best performance of the season, taking a shutout into the eighth before the Rays jumped on him for two runs. Manuel Margot’s RBI double against Trevor May with two outs tied it 2-2, leaving Peterson with a no-decision.

Mike Zunino launched a homer to left field leading off the inning, snapping a streak of 17 straight batters retired by Peterson since the second. Kevin Padlo followed with a double, putting the tying run in scoring position. After Peterson rebounded to strike out Brett Phillips, the right-hander May entered to retire Randy Arozarena. But Margot’s shot along the third-base line brought in the run.

The Mets had a shot to take the lead in the ninth after Kevin Pillar singled against the shift and Villar reached on Willy Adames’ error, but James McCann was retired on a weak grounder to first base on the first pitch he saw from Pete Fairbanks.

With runners in scoring position the Mets finished 0-for-4. They managed only six hits against Tyler Glasnow and the Rays bullpen.

This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Mike Puma