The New York Mets came up just short twice on Sunday, dropping both games of a doubleheader to the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-5 in Game 1, and 5-4 in Game 2, despite several late opportunities to rally.
In the opener, rookie Blade Tidwell made his Major League debut and ran into trouble early. He showed flashes of promise with a high-velocity fastball but struggled with command, surrendering six earned runs over 3.2 innings. Pete Alonso continued his torrid stretch at the plate, collecting two doubles and scoring a run. Injuries also complicated matters, as Jesse Winker exited with right side discomfort, forcing some defensive shuffling.
The Mets clawed back late, with Francisco Lindor’s two-run single cutting the deficit to one in the eighth. But a controversial strike-three call on Alonso and a Nimmo flyout ended the rally. In the ninth, New York got the tying run to third, but Luisangel Acuña popped out to finish the game.
The nightcap followed a similar script. Tylor Megill struggled through five innings, giving up four runs, and the Mets couldn’t capitalize on early scoring chances, finishing just 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Starling Marte provided a spark with a two-run single and a stolen base, while Francisco Alvarez added an RBI knock. Alonso chipped in with an RBI single as well.
Brandon Nimmo came close to delivering a big hit with the bases loaded in the fourth, but a stellar catch in right robbed him. Meanwhile, Cardinals reliever Michael McGreevy dominated in relief, shutting the Mets down over 5.2 scoreless innings to seal the sweep.
Next, the Mets (22-13) will head west to face the Arizona Diamondbacks (18-16) in a three-game set starting Monday at 9:40 p.m. Ryne Nelson is set to take the mound for the Dbacks, with Griffin Canning getting the ball for the Mets.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].