Collin McHugh stellar in debut, but Mets get swept by Rockies

Not even a stellar performance from a pitcher in his major-league debut could save the Mets from another embarrassing loss on Thursday.

Righthander Collin McHugh threw seven scoreless innings, but a fielding mistake by centerfielder Jordany Valdespin in the eighth led to the only run as the Rockies beat the Mets, 1-0, to complete a four-game sweep at Citi Field.

The game was scoreless when Tyler Colvin led off against Bobby Parnell (2-3) with a line drive to center. Valdespin, the converted second baseman making his fifth start in center, came in before realizing he had to go back.

Too late.

The ball fell over his head for a triple. Chris Nelson then grounded an RBI single to center.

Valdespin was hitting leadoff as manager Terry Collins tried to jumpstart his offense. The Mets have scored two runs or fewer in each of their last six games.

The Mets, who have lost eight of their last 10 games and are 11-28 since the All-Star break, went 0-for-10 with two intentional walks with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base against five Colorado pitchers.

McHugh, an 18th-round pick in the 2008 draft, joined Matt Harvey in pitching phenomenally well in his first big-league start. McHugh's wife and parents attended the game along with a 15-person strong contingent who flew up from Atlanta in the morning.