After a Subway Series filled with drama, both on the field and in the media, the Mets were probably happy to escape New York and head up north. However, the Boston Red Sox gave them a rude welcome.
Mets starter Kodai Senga struggled at first, looking uncomfortable in a chilly and windy Fenway Park against an aggressive Boston lineup. He gave up two runs in the first inning and another run in the second but recovered nicely to shut down the Red Sox. Senga made it through six innings on 100 pitches, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out five batters.
Kodai Senga. Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Newly acquired lefty reliever José Castillo made his Mets debut after Senga left the game, allowing no runs despite giving up a hit and a walk.
The Mets’ offensive struggles with runners in scoring position continued. They went 1-for-8 on the night. Francisco Lindor (twice), Juan Soto and Mark Vientos all made outs to end innings with multiple men on base.
New York’s sole run came in the third when Francisco Alvarez doubled and was driven in by a Tyrone Taylor single. But after a Lindor walk, Soto grounded into a double play. Entering Monday, the team ranked third-worst in GIDP in 2025 at 40. The Athletics and Pirates have grounded into the most double plays (43).
With the Mets down two in the ninth, Starling Marte singled to bring the tying run to the plate, but Alvarez promptly grounded into a double play to end the game.
The Mets have scored just ten runs in their last six games and have not hit a home run since last Tuesday.
Soto’s lack of hustle was again a topic of discussion after he failed to bust out of the box and was held to a single on a ball hit off the Green Monster. “He thought he had it,” said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “In this ballpark with that wall right there, you gotta get out of the box. We’ll discuss that.”
When asked after the game, Soto commented, “I think I’m hustling very hard. If you saw me tonight, you could tell.”
Regardless, the Mets must find a way to hit with runners in scoring position to win the series. Dating back to Friday, the team is 4-for-32 with runners in scoring position.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Alvarez was one of the few bright spots for the Mets before ending the game at the plate. He logged two hits, including a double, scored the Mets’ lone run, and threw out a runner trying to steal.
Entering Monday, Alvarez has a 33% caught-stealing rate, the ninth-best in baseball. Luis Torrens owns a 54% caught-stealing rate, the best in baseball.
ON DECK
The Mets look to avoid their first three game losing streak of the season on Tuesday night with Clay Holmes (5–2, 3.14 ERA) on the hill. The Red Sox have not yet named a starter. Game time is 6:45 PM ET on SNY and TBS.
