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The New York Mets (29-15) squared off against the San Francisco Giants (22-19) at Oracle Park on Tuesday night. The Mets looked to continue their hot streak, winning five of their last six games, while the Giants sought to snap a five-game losing streak entering play on Tuesday night. Chris Bassitt made the start, his first time pitching in the state of California since he was dealt to the Mets from Oakland earlier this year, and was not sharp in his second time facing the Giants this season. The Mets put together a comeback after trailing 8-2 in the eighth inning, only to fall short in the end. The final score, Giants 13, Mets 12.

For those who stayed up late on the east coast to watch, kudos to you. The game looked to be out of reach after five innings of play with the Mets trailing 8-2. It took until Wednesday on the east coast for the offense to come to life, but once they sparked, the flame rose high. The game was full of late-inning drama, with leads being exchanged 

Jeff McNeil and Eduardo Escobar started the eighth inning with a base hit each. Mark Canha then ripped a one-hopper to third base, which kicked off the glove of Kevin Padlo, allowing all runners to advance safely. With the bases loaded and no outs, Dominic Smith chopped a high grounder that squeaked through the Giants’ middle infield to plate two. Brandon Nimmo hit another chopper, this time beating out the throw for an infield hit. Francisco Lindor stepped up to the plate and slapped a bases-clearing triple to give the Mets the lead for the first time of the night. Lindor was brought in by Pete Alonso after lifting a fly ball deep enough to allow him to score, bringing the Mets lead to 11-8.

The drama wasn’t over yet. After Drew Smith got the first two batters out in the eighth, he ran into big trouble. With two runners on, Smith missed his location, and Pederson took full advantage by launching a missile into McCovey’s Cove. The three-run homer tied the game back up at 11 apiece. 

Dominic Smith led off the ninth inning by lifting a one-hopper to the wall, making his way to third base with a triple. With Travis Jankowski pinch-running for Smith, Nimmo hit a deep enough fly ball to plate the leading run. Going into the bottom of the ninth, the Mets held a 12-11 lead.

The drama still was not finished with this game. Edwin Díaz was attributed with his third blown save on the season. After Pederson tied the game with an RBI single, Brandon Crawford did the same, punching one through the shift to bring in the winning run. Just like that, the Mets comeback was no more.

Bassitt’s previous worst outing of the season came against San Francisco at Citi Field in April. Tuesday night’s performance replaced that and then some. His struggles began with leadoff hitter Tommy La Stella, a New Jersey native, who reached base safely on an infield hit. Francisco Lindor made a diving stop up the middle but did not have enough time to make the throw over to first base. Mike Yastrzemski then doubled into the left field corner, allowing runners on second and third base with no outs. Bassitt was able to get out of the inning allowing just one run after a RBI-groundout from Darin Ruf.

Bassitt was hurt most by the long ball. Not only did he allow three home runs, but all three occurred with runners on base. Joc Pederson contributed immensely to the Giants scoring, smacking three home runs and both off of Bassitt. La Stella blasted a three-run shot to open up the game for the Giants. Bassiyt’s day was done after 4 and 1/3 innings of work, his final line — eight hits, eight runs, three walks, and four strikeouts. It was not the start the Mets were looking for with three starters on the IL. His bad performance was washed out after the Mets offense exploded to allow him the no decision.

On the other side of the diamond, Logan Webb enjoyed a solid outing for the home team. He struck out six Mets hitters, allowing two runs and one walk in five innings.

Player of the Game: Francisco Lindor

In the fifth inning, Lindor picked up his first RBI on a sacrifice fly, plating Tomás Nido for the Mets second run. In the top of the seventh, he turned on a 95-mph fastball out of the hand of Dominic Leone for a two-run shot to right field, cutting the Mets deficit to 8-4. His most clutch hit of the night, a 3-RBI triple down the left field line to put the Mets ahead for the first time of the game. A clutch performance by the $341 million dollar man, even though his team fell just short of a win. Lindor finished the night with two hits and six RBI. He flashed some leather making a pair of nice plays, including taking away another possible hit from Pederson in the seventh inning.

On Deck

The Mets face off against the Giants one more time in the regular season on Wednesday afternoon. It will be a quick turnaround after a late night filled with a spectacular ending. Game time is set for 3:45 p.m. EST.