The New York Mets entered Sunday in desperate need of a victory prior to the All-Star break. A crucial ninth-inning error by Francisco Lindor spoiled Zack Thornton’s gem resulting in an extra-innings 3-2 loss. Entering the All-Star break, the Mets own a 40-57 first-half record.
The offense was sparse again for the Mets. Francisco Lindor provided the big hits, doubling home A.J. Ewing in the first inning. Lindor then hit a solo shot in the sixth inning. Those two runs were all New York would score.
On the mound, Thornton stole the show. After a superb outing against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 26, he was sent back down to Triple-A. Thornton returned Sunday with a bang. He allowed only two hits, no runs, and struck out five while walking only two. All he needed was 82 pitches to get the job done.
Following Thornton, Luke Weaver posted a 27th-straight inning without allowing a run. However, Devin Williams blew the save, not at the fault of his own. Lindor made a crucial error on what looked to be a game-ending double play. The Red Sox tied the game in the inning erasing the Mets’ slim 2-0 lead.
Brooks Raley allowed the inherited runner to score in the 10th. Then, the Mets were set down in order in the bottom-half spelling the end to the contest; 3-2 Red Sox.
Player of the Game: Zack Thornton
Thornton stole the show on Sunday. After posting a seven-inning scoreless outing, he has now allowed only one run over his last 13 big-league innings. A more concrete spot in the rotation is deserved following the All-Star break.
On Deck
The Mets are off until July 16. They will begin a three-game series in Philadelphia against the Phillies directly after the break. The lone Met that will be busy during the All-Star break is Juan Soto who will represent the team in the All-Star game on Tuesday.
