NEW YORK -- A self-described "roller-coaster" season for New York Mets reliever Bobby Parnell included a down note Friday.
Parnell allowed singles to all three batters he faced in the top of the 10th inning -- two of whom scored -- and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Mets, 3-2, Friday at Citi Field.
"I really didn't give up anything hard hit, I don't think," Parnell said after Chris Stewart, Francisco Cervelli and Gregory Polanco produced hits against him. "I probably could have located better and tried to attack them. Things didn't go my way."
Parnell (1-2) was working for the second straight day. He now has surrendered eight runs in 4 1/3 innings in six appearances without a day of rest since returning from Tommy John surgery.
Still, Parnell insisted that he does not feel like he has extra difficulty in those situations.
"Not really," Parnell said. "I think today is just a matter of trying to do too much. It's a big spot. I'm kind of putting a lot of pressure on myself and trying to be too fine. I feel like when I try to get too fine I give up those little weak hits and stuff like that. You live and you learn."
Parnell received jeers when he was pulled with none out in the 10th by manager Terry Collins. The second run charged to Parnell scored when Aramis Ramirez produced a sacrifice fly against Carlos Torres, which gave Pittsburgh a 3-1 lead.
"I also saw a lot of guys clapping me on," said Parnell, downplaying the boos at Citi Field. "True fans were out there supporting me. That actually meant a lot to me because it's kind of been a roller-coaster ride this year. Losing a big ballgame like that is not fun. I saw some good fans up there showing me some support. It makes me feel good about the scenario. It makes me want to put on my cleats and grab my glove and put my hat on and go back to work tomorrow. That's what I'm going to do."
Parnell insisted he is fine physically.
"It's been a roller-coaster ride of a year," he added. "The health's been good. I feel like the small things are continually getting better. I'll keep going forward."
