MIAMI — Joey Lucchesi’s brain cramps marred an otherwise good pitching performance Tuesday night.
The left-hander’s moment of error came in the Mets’ fifth inning when he hit a bunt and pitched to an unguarded third base.
As the game unfolded – the Marlins’ second of the night – a shocked Lucchesi took off his hat.
Live and learn.
That late-inning resilience gave the Mets and Lucchesi a chance to survive.
But Jake Burger hit an RBI single in the ninth inning off Trevor Gott, sending the Mets to a 4-3 loss at Loans Park.
The loss cost the Mets (70-81) a winning season.
Lucchesi went 52/₃ innings, allowing three runs on six hits, one of which was an earned run, with five strikeouts and two walk-offs.
It’s the latest positive sign from the Mets, coming from a pitcher with a minor league option (the group also includes Jose Buto, David Peterson and Tyler Megill) who might be available in some way Incorporated into next season’s starting rotation.
Lucchesi, 30, has started eight games for the Mets this season and has a 2.88 ERA.
Braxton Garrett’s throwing error in the third gave the Mets an unearned victory.
Pete Alonso singled and advanced to second on a fielding error by Jon Bertie, then Francisco Lindor hit a squib off Garrett and threw to first base.
The Marlins tied the score at 1-1 on Josh Bell’s RBI double in the bottom of the inning.
Jorge Soler started the game with a two-out double to Lucchesi, then Bell’s hit over first base led to a run.
Lucchesi’s error in the fifth inning gave the Marlins a 2-1 lead.
Xavier Edwards hit a bunt and Lucchesi caught the ball – with Ronnie Mauricio also charging – and threw the ball to empty third base.
Berti scored, but Nick Fortes tried to advance from first to third but was knocked out.
Garrett Hampson’s RBI single in the sixth inning extended the Mets’ deficit to 3-1 before Berg singled to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch.
The Mets loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh inning before lefty Andrew Nardi came on to retire Mauricio.
Jeff McNeil, DJ Stewart and Brandon Nimmo all singled in the inning.
After McNeil’s first double and Mark Vientos’ single, Nimmo hit a two-out double against Tanner Scott in the ninth to tie the game at 3-3.
