“This is inexcusable...you have to back up"- Ron Darling criticizes Mets' Luis Severino for not backing up bases against Nationals

The New York Mets began the second game of their series against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, following a 7-5 victory in the opener. They took an early 1-0 lead and held onto it through the fourth inning.

Starting pitcher Luis Severino had a strong start, keeping the Nationals scoreless through the first three innings. However, in the fourth inning, he allowed a bases-loaded single to Juan Yepez.

The Nationals scored two runs on Yepez’s hit, one of which was preventable. Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor's throw to home plate was so off-target that catcher Francisco Alvarez couldn't catch it.

Luis Severino, who was supposed to back up the catcher, didn't react quickly. He remained on the pitcher's mound until the ball rolled away into foul territory.

This delay gave the Nationals a 2-1 lead over the Mets. SNY commentator and former pitcher Ron Darling wasn’t happy with Severino and criticized him for not showing enough effort on the play.

“This is inexcusable. All it takes is a little hustle by a pitcher. When you give up a hit that could score a run, or a play is at third, 100 percent of the time, you have to back up,” Darling said.

Another error occurred just two pitches later when Luis Severino failed to back up home plate, although this time it did not result in another run. Despite these mishaps, the New York Mets managed to overcome the deficit and secure a 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals.

“You just have to do it. It’s one of those plays that you could go three seasons without it affecting you — that the catcher blocks it each and every time, or it never goes by the third baseman. Literally three years."

“He [Severino] has taken it out of his game. It’s a shame. You have to back up. It’s the professional way to play the game,” Darling added.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza discusses Luis Severino not backing up plays

Luis Severino pitched 6 1/3 innings, gave up two earned runs, four hits, three walks, and had four strikeouts. Discussing his failures to back up home plate, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said:

“We’ll address it, he knows. He let the play develop and he didn’t get where he needed to get. We’ll talk about it.”

The New York Mets (46-45), currently ranked third in the NL East, will attempt to sweep the Washington Nationals in the third game of their series on Thursday.