The New York Mets opened July with another disappointing performance, falling 9-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Centre. Freddy Peralta struggled through four innings as New York dropped to 36-51 after losing the rubber game of the three-game series, while Toronto improved to 41-46.
Peralta couldn’t build on his previous strong outing, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four over four innings. After escaping a bases-loaded jam in the first, the right-hander unraveled in the third when Sean Keys launched a three-run homer for his first major league home run, helping the Blue Jays open a commanding lead. Toronto’s bullpen took over from there, combining with Patrick Corbin to limit the Mets to five hits while striking out 11.
Carson Benge provided one of the few bright spots for New York. After doubling earlier in the game, the rookie slugged a two-run homer in the eighth for his 10th home run of the season. Francisco Lindor added a solo blast in the ninth, but the Mets never seriously threatened after falling behind early. Juan Soto finished 0-for-4, while Francisco Alvarez struck out three times as the offense continued to struggle.
The bullpen had mixed results behind Peralta. Joey Gerber tossed 1.1 scoreless innings before leaving with an apparent hand injury, while Cionel Pérez allowed four runs during Toronto’s decisive seventh inning. A.J. Minter closed the game with 1.1 scoreless innings, and Tyrone Taylor contributed a pair of highlight-reel defensive plays in the outfield despite the lopsided defeat.
The Mets begin a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Friday at 7:15 p.m. at Truist Park. Christian Scott is expected to start the opener, with Sean Manaea, Nolan McLean and Freddy Peralta lined up to follow, while Atlanta has yet to announce its pitching plans.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.