Diamondbacks Lose 7-3 to Mets in Series Opener

Arizona shortstop Chris Owings raced to get a speedy runner at first and sailed the throw into the opposing dugout.

A few innings later, pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith faced a similar hurry-up situation on a sacrifice bunt and threw the ball into the ground for another error.

Trying to find a way to get out of a season-opening rut, the Diamondbacks instead seem to be getting in their own way.

Arizona committed two key errors, Josh Collmenter gave up three early runs and the Diamondbacks lost their sixth straight home game, 7-3 to the New York Mets on Monday night.

"When you're in a streak where we're in a streak, it does affect the play. It doesn't come as natural," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said.

The Mets played with a little more ease, but came away with a few concerns of their own after outfielders Juan Lagares and Curtis Granderson left the game with injuries.

Granderson should be OK in a few days after hurting his left forearm and ribs when he crashed into the fence, but Lagares could be out for a little while after straining his right hamstring while beating out a potential double play.

"We look at the big picture, it's tough for us," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "It's really tough. He's played absolutely great, he's swung the bat well, he's earned that right to be out there every day. For this to happen to him now, it's a tough break for him and a tough break for everybody."

Granderson hit the wall while tracking down a flyball by Miguel Montero in the first inning and left in the sixth as his arm and ribs got progressively more sore. X-rays were negative and Collins said Granderson should be fine in a few days.

Lagares could be out a little longer.

New York's top hitter so far at .319, he raced hard down the line on a fielder's choice in the seventh. He tried to stay in the game, but left after consulting with a trainer.

The injuries overshadowed what had been a solid game for New York, which has yet to get on track early this season.

David Wright added two RBIs and the Mets had 13 hits to open a three-game series. Zack Wheeler (1-2) worked around traffic to end a five-start winless streak that dated to last season, and Carlos Torres got eight outs for his first career save.

Lagares will be evaluated Tuesday morning to see how severe the injury is.

"Grandy will be OK, but somebody's got to step up, someone else has got to be the guy," Collins said.

The Diamondbacks continued to struggle at home.

Montero had three RBIs, but Collmenter (0-1) gave up three runs in the first three innings and Arizona was unable to bounce back, extending its longest home losing streak since Aug. 24-29, 2012.

"We're just not in sync," Gibson said.

Arizona has had a few pitching woes during its rough start to the season, entering the game with a major league-worst 5.95 ERA.

Hoping to give their beleaguered bullpen a rest, the Diamondbacks turned to Collmenter, a one-time starter who turned into an innings-eating reliever.

The over-the-top-throwing right-hander was moved into the rotation after Randall Delgado and Trevor Cahill were demoted to the bullpen after struggling.

Collmenter didn't help the bullpen much, giving up three runs over four innings in his first start since Sept. 30, 2012.

"I hit a lot of my spots, they fouled a lot of pitches off and I didn't get outs early," Collmenter said. "I was happy with my command, for the most part."

NOTES: Lagares extended his hitting streak to nine games with a second-inning double. ... Mets RHP Jenrry Mejia (1-0) will be looking to cut down on his walks in the second game of the series Tuesday. He's walked nine in 11 innings during his first two starts. ... Arizona RHP Bronson Arroyo, scheduled to start Tuesday, is 8-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 14 career starts against New York.

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