Tyrone Taylor accounted for New York’s only extra-base hit with a two-run home run, but the New York Mets continued their offensive struggles in a 6-2 loss to the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field. The defeat dropped the Mets to 47-65, while the Marlins improved to 57-55 as New York managed just eight runs over its last four games and fell to 7-8 since the All-Star break.
Zac Thornton endured his toughest outing since joining the starting rotation, allowing four runs, three earned, on six hits over 4.2 innings while walking three and striking out two. Francisco Lindor’s error on the game’s opening play helped Miami grab an early lead before Javier Sanoja broke the game open with a two-run homer in the second. Thornton needed 94 pitches to get through his outing but still owns a 2.88 ERA through six starts this season.
Taylor briefly pulled the Mets back into the game with a two-run homer in the second, continuing his torrid stretch since returning from the injured list. The outfielder is batting .354 with seven home runs since June 26, adding to his value ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. Outside of Taylor’s blast, however, New York’s offense never found a rhythm, finishing with six singles, no other extra-base hits and putting just one runner into scoring position. Daniel Duarte also surrendered his first runs of the season, including a home run to Griffin Conine, after opening the year with 11.1 consecutive scoreless innings.
The Mets wrap up their four-game series against the Marlins on Sunday at Citi Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 p.m. New York has not announced a starting pitcher after pulling Clay Holmes from his scheduled outing, while Miami is expected to start Sandy Alcantara (11-6, 3.82 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.