The New York Mets dropped their seventh straight game Friday night, falling 2-1 to the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field. Despite an impressive outing from rookie Zach Thornton, the Mets managed just five hits and slipped to 34-48, their lowest point of the season at 14 games under .500. Philadelphia improved to 46-36.
Yankees lose third straight to Red Sox Thornton, making just his second major league start and first since being recalled, showed plenty of poise after a rocky opening inning. The right-hander surrendered an early run but settled in, striking out seven while allowing just five hits and one walk across six innings. He escaped multiple jams, highlighted by Jared Young’s diving stop at first base to rob Brandon Marsh of extra bases and an inning-ending double play started by Young in the third.
New York answered in the fourth when Young delivered again, lining an RBI single to score Bo Bichette and even the game at 1-1. However, that proved to be the Mets’ lone offensive breakthrough. A.J. Ewing reached base twice but was caught stealing on both attempts, while Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor combined for just one hit. Soto also was denied an early two-run homer by Derek Hill’s leaping catch at the center-field wall.
The Phillies regained the lead in the seventh when Trea Turner singled home Derek Hill against Huascar Brazoban. Cionel Pérez kept the deficit at one with two scoreless innings of relief, but the Mets couldn’t generate another rally.
The Mets continue their three-game series against the Phillies on Saturday at Citi Field. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. Philadelphia is expected to use Alan Rangel (0-0, 2.25 ERA) as an opener, while Christian Scott is expected to return from the injured list to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.