WHAT IT MEANS: The Mets lost to the Giants 4-1 Tuesday night at AT&T Park, and Matt Harvey deserved a better fate in his second major league start.

Jordany Valdespin misread Buster Posey’s leadoff liner to center field in the second inning, breaking backward and allowing the ball to drop in front of him for a single. And with the bases eventually loaded, shortstop Ruben Tejada misfired to first base on the completion of a would-be inning-ending double play, allowing two runs to score.

(On Monday night Ronny Cedeño muffed a grounder, costing an opportunity at an inning-ending double play and preventing Jeremy Hefner from completing the sixth with the score tied.)

Harvey also faced the bases loaded and none out in the sixth, and coaxed a 6-4-3 double play by Marco Scutaro. The rookie then struck out Brandon Belt looking to limit the damage to one run.

Relying far more on his changeup than in his first outing, Harvey ultimately allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out seven in a 91-pitch effort over six innings.

Combined with an 11-strikeout debut, Harvey shattered the franchise record for Ks in the first two games of a major league career, which had been shared by several players at 13.

He next pitches in the road trip finale, Sunday at San Diego opposite right-hander Jason Marquis.

FREAK SHOW: David Wright had the night off at third base for only the sixth time this season, but he pinch-hit for Harvey with the bases loaded, two out and the Mets trailing 3-1 in the seventh. Tim Lincecum struck out Wright looking at a nasty 2-2 curveball to end the threat. Wright dropped to 2-for-20 with 12 strikeouts in his career against Lincecum.

Ex-Met Cliff Floyd (@sleepy30), watching on TV, tweeted: “Damn the best Curve he's thrown all year!”

Two of Lincecum’s five wins this season have come against the Mets.

WHAT’S NEXT: Jon Niese (7-5, 3.86 ERA) opposes right-hander Matt Cain (10-3, 2.80) Wednesday at 10:15 p.m. ET.

Newly acquired Hunter Pence is due to be activated and make his Giants debut. Pence was acquired with cash from the Phillies on Tuesday for outfielder Nate Schierholtz and minor leaguers Tommy Joseph and Seth Rosin.