Close, but no cigar seems to be the recurring theme for the New York Mets this season.
The Mets sought to win the series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies and end a frustrating few days. However, after several missed opportunities with runners on base and some untimely pitching, the Phillies took the lead late in the game and nabbed a 5-4 victory on the road.
This marks Philadelphia’s second consecutive series win against the Mets, while New York’s season continues downward, falling to a record of 35-49. The Mets fall to 7-15 in one-run games.
The Mets’ offense proved to be maddeningly inconsistent. They managed to rally in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings, with Carson Benge hitting a single that made it a two-run game. In the following half-inning, A.J. Ewing delivered a critical pinch-hit home run, tying the game at three. The Mets later took the lead thanks to a fielder’s choice by Benge, which saw the ball deflect off the pitcher’s glove, allowing the runner on third to score.
Despite these moments of success, the Mets’ offense faltered, going just 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position and leaving 14 men on base. They had several chances to drive in runs, particularly in the fifth and eighth innings.
In the eighth, the Mets loaded the bases with one out after three walks drawn by Luis Torrens, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette. Unfortunately, Ronny Mauricio popped up to second base and Francisco Alvarez struck out on a fastball outside the strike zone, wasting a potential game-breaking opportunity against an erratic Orion Kerkering.
On the mound, Cionel Pérez started the game for New York and struck out two batters as the opener, continuing his strong performance as a Met. Tobias Myers struggled, allowing three runs on four hits during a rough third inning, pitching only three frames in total.
Kodai Senga, looking to revive his season, pitched five innings in relief with somewhat improved results but still gave up some crucial home runs. He struck out four batters and allowed four hits along with two runs during his outing. Interim manager Andy Green decided to let Senga face Kyle Schwarber, who made him pay with a two-run homer that would be the final nail in the coffin. Senga’s performance lowered his season ERA to 9.09, but fell to 0-7.
Player of the Game: A.J. Ewing
Coming off the bench, A.J. Ewing came through clutch by hitting the then game-tying three-run home run in the sixth inning. Ewing continues his strong play as the new everyday centerfielder, cementing himself as a guy who can come through for the Mets in any situation he’s put into.
On Deck
The Mets are right back at it as they head north of the border to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays. Sean Manaea (1-2, 4.87 ERA) looks to get the Mets back on track while facing Trey Yesavage (3-3, 3.56 ERA) of the Blue Jays. First pitch is at 7:07 pm ET and will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio 880 AM.
