The New York Mets broke open a tie game with a five-run eighth inning to defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Wednesday night at Citi Field, evening the three-game series. After falling behind in Tuesday’s high-scoring loss, the Mets responded behind a strong start from Christian Scott and a late offensive surge fueled by Kansas City’s defensive miscues.
A.J. Ewing wasted little time putting New York (39-54) in front, blasting his first career leadoff home run in the opening inning. The rookie became the fifth different Met to hit a leadoff homer this season, matching a franchise feat last accomplished in 1962. Scott turned in one of his sharpest performances of the year, allowing just three hits over five scoreless innings while striking out five and lowering his ERA to 3.17. Kansas City tied the game in the sixth after Salvador Perez delivered an RBI single against reliever Tobias Myers, but Myers escaped further trouble over two innings to keep the game even.
The Mets finally broke through in the eighth after Jorge Polanco reached safely with two outs to load the bases. Jared Young was hit by a pitch to force home the go-ahead run before Brett Baty followed with a two-run single. A wild pitch added another run, and Francisco Alvarez capped the rally with an RBI single. Xzavion Curry surrendered one run in his Mets debut during the ninth but closed out the victory.
The Mets conclude their three-game series against the Royals on Thursday at Citi Field, with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Left-hander Sean Manaea (1-4, 4.76 ERA) is expected to start for New York against Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.45 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.