The New York Mets wasted seven brilliant innings from Zach Thornton and suffered a crushing 3-2 loss in 10 innings to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field, closing the first half of the season at 40-57. Francisco Lindor drove in both New York runs, but his ninth-inning error opened the door for Boston’s comeback before the Red Sox completed a three-game sweep.
Thornton continued his impressive start to his major league career, scattering two hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out five and walking two. The rookie needed just 82 pitches and allowed little hard contact, lowering his case to remain in the Mets’ rotation after the All-Star break. Luke Weaver followed with a scoreless eighth inning, extending his streak to 27 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.
The Mets scratched out an early lead when A.J. Ewing doubled to open the first and scored on Lindor’s RBI double. Lindor added a solo homer in the sixth to make it 2-0, but New York’s offense couldn’t provide any additional cushion, finishing 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Juan Soto went hitless in four at-bats, while Carson Benge struck out three times.
Devin Williams couldn’t protect the lead in the ninth. After a leadoff single, Lindor’s error on a potential game-ending double play extended the inning before Williams walked in a run and surrendered a game-tying bloop single. Brooks Raley allowed the automatic runner to score on a sacrifice fly in the 10th, and the Mets failed to answer in the bottom half, stranding the tying runner.
The Mets open the second half of the season Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.