The New York Mets dropped a 2-1 decision to the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of their three-game series on Monday night at Rogers Centre. Defensive miscues proved costly as the Mets fell to 35-50 for the first time in eight years, wasting another solid outing from Sean Manaea, while the Blue Jays improved to 40-45.
Manaea deserved a better result, allowing two runs on three hits over 5.2 innings while striking out, walking two and hitting one batter. The game’s first run came in unusual fashion when George Springer reached on a leadoff triple after Juan Soto misplayed a ball in left field and A.J. Ewing’s relay error allowed Springer to circle the bases. A sixth-inning error by Francisco Lindor also extended Manaea’s outing before he exited with two outs.
Toronto starter Trey Yesavage kept New York’s offense quiet through the first six innings, surrendering just two hits before Lindor atoned for his defensive mistake with a leadoff solo homer in the seventh to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The Mets had chances late but couldn’t capitalize. Francisco Alvarez doubled in the eighth before Bo Bichette, facing his former team in Toronto for the first time since leaving in free agency, grounded out to end the threat. New York threatened again in the ninth after singles by Jared Young and A.J. Ewing put the tying run in scoring position, but Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio struck out to end the game. The Mets finished 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
The Mets continue their three-game series against the Blue Jays on Tuesday at 7:07 p.m. Nolan McLean (4-5, 4.03 ERA) is scheduled to start for New York against Kevin Gausman (4-6, 4.36 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.