The New York Mets couldn’t overcome a rough outing from Frankie Montas, falling 12-4 to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday at Citi Field and losing two of three in the series.
Francisco Lindor provided an early spark, blasting a solo home run in the first to put New York ahead 1-0. But Montas, after retiring the first six batters he faced, unraveled in the third. A leadoff single and stolen base by Jung Hoo Lee set up Patrick Bailey’s RBI knock, and Rafael Devers delivered the big blow, a three-run homer to put San Francisco on top 4-1.
The Giants kept the pressure on in the fourth, adding three more runs, including another RBI hit from Devers. Montas was lifted in the fifth after walking the leadoff man, finishing with seven runs allowed on seven hits over four-plus innings. His ERA on the season climbed to 6.68.
New York’s offense struggled against Giants starter Carson Whisenhunt, managing just two hits through five innings. Jeff McNeil’s leadoff single in the fifth eventually turned into a run when Francisco Alvarez doubled, and San Francisco’s relay throw was mishandled. Alvarez added a two-run single in the ninth, but the game was long out of reach.
Austin Warren was a bright spot in relief, tossing four scoreless innings, but Ryne Stanek surrendered five runs in the ninth to put the game away. Mark Vientos extended his hitting streak to a career-best 11 games with a double.
Next, the Mets (63-49) open a three-game series with the Cleveland Guardians on Monday at 7:10 p.m., with Sean Manaea set to face Slade Cecconi.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].