The New York Mets (45-25) couldn’t overcome defensive miscues and a rough fourth inning, falling 8-4 to the Tampa Bay Rays (38-32) on Saturday evening at Citi Field for their second straight loss.
After a nearly hour-long rain delay, Tylor Megill struggled with command and composure, allowing six runs (three earned) across 3.2 innings. Things unraveled in the fourth when a combination of two hit batters, a throwing error on a bunt, and a wild pitch helped Tampa Bay post a five-run frame. Megill’s ERA rose to 3.95 as his outing ended with the bases loaded.
The Mets scored a pair of runs in the third, highlighted by Brett Baty’s 115.6 mph laser home run, the hardest-hit ball by a Met this season, and RBI hits from Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo. Ronny Mauricio added a solo shot in the fifth to snap an 0-for-12 skid, and Nimmo drove in another run to cut the deficit to 7-4. But that was as close as New York would get.
Jose Castillo and Jose Butto couldn’t quiet Tampa’s offense, and the Mets’ offense stranded key opportunities. Despite recording 11 hits, New York went just 2-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left several men on in the seventh and eighth innings.
Pete Alonso extended his on-base streak to 22 games, while Luis Torrens impressed defensively with two caught stealings and a crucial tag at the plate.
The Mets will try to avoid the sweep Sunday afternoon at Citi Field, with Griffin Canning set to face Shane Baz. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
