Clark doubles twice, bullpen crumbles late in Hens’ loss

Mets 4, Mud Hens 2 ( box ) So far, the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate has mirrored the big league club to a degree. Wenceel Pérez has the sole home run through five games. Of course that’s a lot more understandable when you’re playing in upstate New York this time of year.

On the pitching side, the bullpen has been taxed as several starters are still stretching out in the early going. Veteran minor league starter Lael Lockhart Jr. , who remains one of those solid southpaws with command who just lacks the extra 2-3 mph it would take to get him to the big leagues regularly, got the start on Wednesday.

The Hens went in order in the first, and then the lefty got into a little trouble in the bottom half. Nick Morabito led off with a single back through the box and then stole second base. Ronny Mauricio flew out, and so did Ryan Clifford on a hard hit ball to Wenceel Pérez in right field.

Christian Arroyo did better, ripping an RBI double to left to make it 1-0. Lockhart Jr. buckled down and got Jose Rojas to ground out, ending the threat.