The New York Mets capitalized on a series of defensive miscues by the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night at Citi Field, resulting in a three-run “Little League home run” in the first inning. The play began with two outs and runners on base when Mets batter Carson Benge hit a ball back to Royals starter Seth Lugo.
Lugo, off-balance, made an errant throw past first baseman Jac Caglianone. As the ball went wild, Mets runner A.J. Ewing advanced home. Caglianone’s subsequent throw back toward third base went awry, striking the third base dugout. In the ensuing confusion, a throw from third baseman Nick Loftin in an attempt to get Mets runner Bo Bichette out at home also sailed wide, allowing both Bichette and Benge to score.
The scoring play was attributed to three throwing errors charged to Caglianone, Lugo, and Loftin. All three runs were unearned, meaning Lugo’s earned run average was not impacted by the chaotic sequence.
The Mets took an early 3-0 lead, but the Royals quickly responded. Tyler Tolbert cut the deficit with a two-run homer in the top of the second inning. However, the Mets extended their lead again in the bottom half of the inning when Ewing hit a two-run homer.
The Mets’ improbable three-run rally marked a significant moment of misfortune for the Royals, occurring amidst a season already filled with challenges for the Mets.