The New York Mets concluded the first half of their season with a dispiriting 3-2 extra-inning defeat against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday, a loss compounded by a costly error in the ninth inning.
The Red Sox completed a three-game sweep at Citi Field, extending their winning streak to nine games. The Mets, conversely, head into the All-Star break having lost three consecutive contests.
Late-Game Collapse
The Mets were on the verge of securing a win, holding a two-run lead entering the top of the ninth inning with Devin Williams on the mound. A ground ball hit by Romy González with one out appeared to be a routine double-play opportunity, but shortstop Francisco Lindor mishandled the ball, extending the inning.
Williams then walked Caleb Durbin to load the bases, forcing in a run. Jarren Duran followed with a bloop single to right field, tying the game. Though Williams managed to get Masataka Yoshida to line out and Zack Short doubled off a runner at second to end the inning, the damage was done.
The Red Sox took the lead in the 10th inning when Brooks Raley allowed a sacrifice fly to Anthony Seigler. The Mets were unable to score in the bottom half of the inning, with Jorge Polanco striking out to end the game.
Thornton's Strong Start
Sunday's game also featured a promising performance from rookie left-hander Zach Thornton, who took a no-hitter into the fifth inning. Thornton pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and two walks on 82 pitches. He was replaced by Luke Weaver to start the eighth.
Lindor had provided the Mets' offense earlier in the game, driving in two runs with an RBI double in the first inning and hitting a home run in the sixth. His contributions, however, were not enough to overcome the late-game struggles.
The Mets' pitching staff faces further challenges with Kodai Senga sidelined, Clay Holmes still recovering from a fractured fibula, and Tobias Myers optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. This situation thrusts pitchers like Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, and Sean Manaea into more prominent roles in the rotation for the remainder of the season.