The New York Mets saw their seven-game win streak come to a sudden halt Monday night at Petco Park, falling 7-6 to the San Diego Padres in walk-off fashion.
New York jumped out to a 5-1 lead thanks to Mark Vientos’ first career grand slam in the fifth, but a disastrous bottom half of the inning erased the cushion. Frankie Montas exited after allowing four straight hits, and the bullpen couldn’t stop the bleeding. Huascar Brazobán was charged with the go-ahead runs after a defensive lapse, and a pair of RBI singles gave San Diego a 6-5 lead.
Ronny Mauricio brought the Mets back to life with a solo homer in the ninth to tie the game, but the rally was short-lived. Gregory Soto, making just his second appearance with the team, allowed the winning run in the bottom of the ninth after a throwing error prolonged the inning, and Elias Díaz lined a walk-off single.
Jeff McNeil helped spark the early offense with aggressive baserunning, and Vientos, robbed of a homer earlier by Fernando Tatis Jr., got redemption with his grand slam. Montas went 4.1 innings, allowing five earned runs on eight hits.
Despite the loss, the Mets (62-45) remain 1.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. They will look to bounce back Tuesday night behind Sean Manaea, with first pitch set for 9:40 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].