NEW YORK — It was an odd sight. Matt Harvey on the mound at Citi Field, pumping one 99 mph fastball and then another and yet to no good result. Instead, the Giants walloped him.
Over six innings, the Mets ace allowed seven runs and three home runs. To begin the sixth, the Mets held a 4-2 lead with Harvey on the mound — as close to security as it comes for them. Soon, that lead was gone.
Harvey allowed home runs to Brandon Belt and Justin Maxwell as the Giants pounded away. Earlier in the night, Joe Panik hit a two-run home run to give the Giants a 2-0 lead two batters into the game. The seven runs tied the most he has ever given up in a start, tying his mark from three starts ago in Pittsburgh.
It was uncharacteristic for Harvey. He had allowed just seven home runs over 26 starts in 2013. Already, he has given up 12 this year in 12 starts and eight over his last four starts. On this night, he even allowed more home runs than he had strikeouts — three to two.
And as Harvey left the mound after the sixth, the light sound of boos could be heard at Citi Field — once an unheard of thought for Harvey.
