The New York Mets dropped the finale of their three-game series against the Houston Astros, falling 6-3 Sunday at Citi Field and extending their losing skid in series play to three consecutive sets.
The Mets grabbed an early advantage behind home runs from Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, who went back-to-back in the first inning after Houston shortstop Jeremy Peña opened the game with a solo homer. Peña later tied the game with an RBI single in the second.
Zac Thornton gave New York a strong start in his 11th career outing. The rookie left-hander allowed two earned runs on six hits over five innings, striking out five and walking one while throwing 97 pitches. Through 61.1 innings this season, Thornton owns a 2.93 earned-run average and a 1.16 WHIP.
New York reclaimed the lead in the fifth. A.J. Ewing walked to begin the inning and advanced to third when his stolen-base attempt resulted in a throwing error by Yainer Diaz. Marcus Semien then walked, and Luis Torrens grounded into a double play that allowed Ewing to score.
The lead disappeared in the sixth when Houston pinch-hitter Lamonte Wade Jr. launched a two-run homer off Jonathan Pintaro with a runner aboard, putting the Astros ahead 4-3.
Houston added two more runs in the seventh after Jared Young’s throwing error allowed both runners to score on Daulton Varsho’s ground ball.
The Mets had opportunities late but could not capitalize. A.J. Ewing doubled with two outs in the eighth, but Carson Benge popped out with the tying runs aboard.
The loss dropped New York to 61-76, while Houston improved to 69-68.
The Mets begin a road series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, August 31, at 6:40 p.m. Robert Stock is scheduled to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.