The New York Mets couldn’t quite complete another comeback, dropping Sunday’s series finale in Kansas City, 3-2, as the Royals walked it off in the ninth inning.
Despite the defeat, New York (55-42) heads into the All-Star break with momentum, having taken the series and winning seven of its last 11 games.
Clay Holmes delivered a solid start, giving the Mets a chance by limiting Kansas City to two runs over five innings. He scattered five hits and struck out two, with the only damage coming on a groundball RBI double down the right-field line.
Sean Manaea made his season debut in relief and showed encouraging signs after returning from injury. The lefty struck out seven over 3.1 innings and struck out the side in the seventh. But after allowing two straight singles in the ninth, Nick Loftin ended it with a walk-off hit to plate the winning run.
Offensively, the Mets had little going until the ninth. Ronny Mauricio doubled to lead off, and Jeff McNeil followed with a triple to finally break the scoring drought. Jared Young’s sacrifice fly tied the game at 2-2 before Kansas City answered in the bottom half.
Mark Vientos, Mauricio, and Tyrone Taylor each recorded two hits in the loss.
The Mets return to action next Friday to open a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].