Mets' Niese leaves start in first inning with left knee pain

ST. LOUIS - Mets starter Jon Niese left in the first inning of a game Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals with left knee pain.

Manager Terry Collins expressed concern before the game about the lefty's knee. The team said Niese didn't experience pain warming up, but it flared during the game.

Niese faced just four batters before being lifted for Robert Gsellman. Niese walked two and allowed an RBI single to Brandon Moss.

Niese left with a 3-1 lead, but Gsellman allowed two inherited runners in to tie it.