53 Jeremy Hefner, SP

Mets starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner was outdueled by Cubs starting pitcher Matt Garza Sunday, but he avoided the loss as New York rallied from three runs down in the ninth inning to steal a 4-3 win. The right-hander allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits and one walk in five innings, while striking out five.

Hefner hasn't allowed more than one earned run in three straight starts, but he has two no-decisions and one loss in that span. Hefner has just one win through 14 appearances (13 starts).

Hefner is expected to be back in action Friday at Philadelphia. Hefner suffered a loss at Philadelphia April 10, allowing five runs on six hits (two home runs) and three walks in three innings.

Mets starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner was let down by his defense in a big way Tuesday against the Cardinals, as five unearned runs came around to score in the fifth inning in a 9-2 loss.

Hefner was only charged with one run in the fourth inning, on a run-scoring double play, as much of the damage came after a crucial error by Daniel Murphy at first base in the following frame. Murphy's throwing error to open the inning led to five unearned runs on three hits in the inning, effectively dooming the Mets and saddling Hefner with the loss.

Hefner allowed one earned run in six innings, on eight hits and one walk. He struck out two batters, while throwing 69 of 89 pitches for strikes. He took the loss to drop to 1-6 on the season, while his ERA dropped to 4.11.

Hefner's next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Cubs, where he will try to keep extending a quality start streak to five. 

Mets manager Terry Collins announced Sunday starting pitcher Jeremy Hefner will start Tuesday against the Cardinals. Hefner was originally slated to start Sunday against the Marlins, but Friday's rainout and Saturday's 20-inning affair forced Collins to shuffle his rotation a few times this weekend.

Hefner is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA and .219 opponents' batting average in his last three starts.