The New York Mets lost their third consecutive game and fourth in their last five, falling 3-1 to the Houston Astros at Citi Field on Friday. This marks the team's longest losing streak since August 2, just before a roster overhaul aimed at postseason contention.
The Mets' offense was stifled by Astros pitcher Hunter Brown, who allowed only one earned run on five hits while striking out 10 batters over 6 ⅔ innings. The team was unable to record a hit against Houston's bullpen.
On the mound for the Mets, Christian Scott pitched effectively into the sixth inning before losing command of the strike zone. He walked three consecutive batters, all of whom scored as inherited runners for reliever Nate Lavender. Scott's outing included five walks and one hit allowed over 5 ⅓ innings, with all three runs charged to him being earned.
Scott's performance followed recent struggles from other Mets pitchers. Robert Stock allowed seven earned runs over four innings in a prior loss, and Sean Manaea surrendered six earned runs in 5 ⅔ innings the following night. Scott's start against the White Sox the previous weekend also saw him issue four walks and allow four earned runs over 4 ⅔ innings.
The Mets' sole run came in the fourth inning when Carson Benge hit an RBI double off Brown. The play was set up by Francisco Lindor's leadoff single, the team's first hit of the game. Benge's double was his 54th RBI of the season.
In the sixth inning, after Scott walked Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Peredes, and Jose Altuve to load the bases, he was removed from the game with one out. Lavender then allowed a two-run single to Daulton Varsho, and Yainer Diaz added an RBI single with two outs to give the Astros a 3-1 lead.
Bo Bichette contributed defensively in the seventh, making a diving catch to snag a one-hop shot from Yainer Diaz for an inning-ending double play. Bichette had returned to the starting lineup after missing the previous game due to a foul ball impact on his left foot.