Justin Verlander booed by Mets fans following 'inexcusable' outing

Verlander lasted only five innings against the Dodgers, allowing three earned runs on two hits while finishing with as many strikeouts (6) as walks. Verlander's six free passes are the most he's allowed since 2017 and only one short of his career-worst of seven, recorded in 2006. 

After the loss, Verlander called his outing "inexcusable." 

"Can't walk six guys and expect to win a ballgame or give your team a chance," Verlander said via SNY. 

For the 40-year-old Verlander, his struggles continue. Through 13 starts this season, the veteran ace is 3-5 with a 3.72 ERA in just 75 innings pitched. 

Verlander wasn't the only culprit in the Mets' lopsided loss. As a team, New York managed only one hit and struck out a combined 10 times. 

Despite boasting the highest payroll in baseball, the Mets struggled in the first half. And on Friday, they began the second half of the 2023 campaign poorly, leaving manager Buck Showalter looking for answers. 

"I'm hoping we can win the next two games against a good team and win the series and move on," Showalter said. "I know our guys are frustrated by it." 

With Friday's loss, the Mets fall to seven games below .500 (42-49). New York has lost three in a row and trails the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves (61-29) by 19.5 games.