NEW YORK _ Erik Goeddel reached back and fired, hoping that his fastball would hit the outer edge of the zone. Instead, the Mets reliever missed over the plate, and a loud pop rang out over Citi Field.
Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock hammered a two-run homer in the 10th inning, providing enough cushion to send the Mets to a 3-2 loss Monday night.
Michael Conforto's 27th homer of the season, a solo shot to lead off the 10th off Diamondbacks closer Fernando Rodney, wasn't enough to make up for a squandered opportunity that would loom large.
The Mets missed a chance to pull ahead in the seventh when Yoenis Cespedes ripped a bases-loaded single to left. Travis d'Arnaud scored easily to tie the score 1-1, but Asdrubal Cabrera was cut down at the plate.
Mets right-hander Robert Gsellman allowed one run and five hits in 6 1/3 innings, an encouraging step in his second start since coming off the disabled list with a hamstring injury.
Since his return, Gsellman has allowed three runs in 11 2/3 innings.
Gsellman bristled at comments by general manager Sandy Alderson, who said the right-hander needed to "pitch better," implying that his minor-league rehab had dragged on because of poor performance rather than health. Alderson was upset when Gsellman responded, "I don't really care." The pitcher ultimately apologized.
