#Rich Hill’s “start” for Mets ends after three innings

Mets’ pitcher Rich Hill was originally slated to start Thursday, but he went to manager Luis Rojas and asked to pitch a day early.

It did not go as planned.

Taking over for Carlos Carrasco following the suspension of Tuesday’s game, the 17-year MLB veteran survived just three innings and allowed three earned runs in an 8-7 come-from-behind victory over the Nationals Wednesday afternoon, forcing Rojas to go to his bullpen early in the first game of a scheduled doubleheader.

Things went south in the top of the fifth inning. The first three Nationals batters all reached base, including Luis Garcia, who drove in two runs with a double into the gap. That was it for Hill.

“Obviously, I just want to throw the ball better,” Hill said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t do my job in the [fifth] inning. I need to try to make some improvements.”

Rojas trekked to the mound to pull his starter, and Hill walked off the field visibly frustrated, muttering some harsh words before throwing his hat to the ground in the dugout.

While he has struggled at times, Hill’s work ethic shined once again Wednesday. In a mostly empty ballpark, all could hear the 41-year-old loudly grunt after each pitch. And with one out in the fourth inning, Hill — who has spent half his career in the American League — let down a drag bunt and sprinted to first base, nearly eking out an infield single.

“[Hill] showed the entire team how to win,” Rojas said. “He is a guy that is 41 years old and a veteran. His [game] was a great example [of hard work] in many respects.”

Hill came to New York in a midseason trade from the Rays — serving as a reinforcement for a struggling starting rotation — with big expectations. He said “the main goal is to win the World Series” following his Big Apple debut on July 25.

The Mets have faltered since then. Before Wednesday, the Mets had lost seven of their previous eight games and 15 of 24 since the All-Star break. However, Hill’s desire is the same, even as he and the Mets struggle.

“We have the team to [win a World Series],” Hill said. “We all believe in each other and we continue to keep fighting. It was great to come back for a win.”