CHICAGO -- Jacob deGrom has hit the first rough patch of his major league career.
The reigning National League Rookie of the Year surrendered homers to Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo on consecutive pitches in a three-run first inning and the New York Mets ultimately lost to the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Monday night at Wrigley Field.
DeGrom suffered his third loss in his past four starts. He has a 5.64 ERA during that span.
After requiring 85 pitches to navigate the opening four innings, deGrom (3-4) did find his groove before departing. He struck out the side in the fifth inning -- his final frame.
DeGrom was charged with four earned runs on five hits and four walks (one intentional) in five innings. He struck out five and surrendered the two homers in a 97-pitch effort.
The damage could have been worse, but deGrom escaped with the bases loaded in the fourth when Rizzo hit an inning-ending comebacker.
Lucas Duda and Wilmer Flores had back-to-back solo homers in the sixth against Jon Lester as the Mets pulled within 4-3.
It marked the second time this season the Mets had produced consecutive homers. David Wright and John Mayberry Jr. had back-to-back homers against the Atlanta Braves' Eric Stults on April 10.
DeGrom allowed six runs in five innings against the New York Yankees in the Bronx on April 24. Six days later, he allowed five runs (three earned) in 5 1/3 innings against the Washington Nationals. He seemed to right his ship on Wednesday at Citi Field, when he limited the Baltimore Orioles to one run in seven innings.
What’s next: Noah Syndergaard makes his major league debut after going 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Las Vegas. Syndergaard takes the rotation spot vacated by Dillon Gee, who landed on the disabled list with a groin strain. Right-hander Jake Arrieta (3-3, 3.41 ERA) starts for the Cubs in the 8:05 p.m. ET game Tuesday.
