The New York Mets couldn’t hold on to a late lead on Thursday afternoon, dropping the first game of a doubleheader to the Baltimore Orioles, 3-1, despite a dominant outing from David Peterson.
Peterson was nearly flawless, working seven scoreless innings on just 87 pitches. The left-hander scattered four hits, struck out six, and didn’t issue a walk. But after he allowed a leadoff single in the eighth, the bullpen couldn’t finish the job. Ryne Stanek took over and immediately surrendered a pinch-hit, two-run home run to Gunnar Henderson to put Baltimore ahead. Stanek then walked three around a sacrifice fly that stretched the deficit to 3-1.
Offensively, the Mets wasted several early chances. In the first inning, they put runners on second and third with nobody out but came up empty when Juan Soto and Pete Alonso struck out and Jesse Winker popped up. They finally broke through in the fifth when Brett Baty walked and stole second before Tyrone Taylor lined an RBI double to right. However, Taylor’s inability to advance on a grounder proved costly, as Francisco Lindor followed with a deep flyout that could have added another run.
Winker exited after one at-bat due to back tightness, another setback after his recent return from an oblique injury.
Peterson’s performance saved the bullpen ahead of the nightcap, but the Mets couldn’t capitalize on his gem and fell to 53-41 on the season.
New York and Baltimore wrap up the doubleheader Thursday evening before the Mets head to Kansas City to face the Royals.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].