The New York Mets couldn’t salvage the nightcap of Thursday’s doubleheader in Baltimore, falling 7-3 to the Orioles and dropping both games and the series.
New York jumped ahead quickly, putting runners on second and third with no outs in the first. Juan Soto and Pete Alonso cashed in with productive outs for an early 2-0 lead. But spot starter Brandon Waddell couldn’t hold it, surrendering a pair of doubles and a two-run homer to Jordan Westburg in the second inning that flipped the score. Waddell settled down for a clean third but finished with three runs allowed over three innings.
Brett Baty briefly tied things in the fourth with a two-out RBI single, but it was the only hit the Mets managed with runners in scoring position all night. The bullpen couldn’t keep Baltimore contained, as Justin Hagenman and Richard Lovelady combined to let in four more runs over the fifth and sixth innings, with an error by Baty at third base opening the door to extend the Orioles’ lead.
After racking up 19 runs over the previous series, the Mets’ offense fizzled. They went just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position in Game 2 and a staggering 2-for-19 across the doubleheader. Brandon Nimmo was one of the few bright spots, collecting two hits and a stolen base from the leadoff spot.
The Mets (53-41) will look to bounce back as they head to Kansas City for the final series before the All-Star break. Friday’s series opener against the Royals (46-48) will start at 7:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].