Comeback Comes Up Short As Mets End Strong First Half

After taking the first two games of the series in thrilling fashion, the New York Mets’ offense went quiet early Sunday against a tough Kansas City Royals pitching staff. Despite a ninth-inning rally to tie the game at two, Kansas City walked it off in the bottom of the ninth, handing New York a 3-2 loss in both the series finale and the final game before the All-Star break at Kauffman Stadium in Missouri. The Mets enter the All-Star break with a strong record of 55-42.

Pitching dominated from both sides, as Mets and Royals’ arms kept scoring at a premium. Royals left-handed starter, Noah Cameron, delivered a stellar outing, holding the Mets scoreless over 6 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts, seven hits, and two walks. For the Mets, Clay Holmes got the start and stayed steady, tossing five innings and surrendering just two runs on five hits, both runs coming off a John Rave single in the second.

Sean Manaea returned to the mound in dominant form, striking out five consecutive batters and seven total over 3 1/3 innings of relief. He scattered five hits on 65 pitches, with his lone misstep coming in extras when Tyler Tolbert singled, stole second, and scored on Nick Loftin’s walk-off hit.

Offensively, the Mets were mostly held in check, with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso combining to go 0-for-10 with three walks. Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and Tyrone Taylor each collected multiple hits, with Vientos showing signs of life at the plate after a sluggish start to the series.

The Mets came alive late, as Mauricio led off the ninth with a single off Royals closer Carlos Estevez. Jeff McNeil followed with an RBI triple that clipped the glove of outfielder Kyle Isbel, and recently recalled Jared Young tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center, pinch-hitting for Luisangel Acuña.

Player of the Game: Sean Manaea

After having his first half of the season taken away due to injury, Sean Manaea made an impressive return to the mound, fanning five straight hitters and finishing with seven strikeouts across 3 1/3 innings of relief. He allowed five hits while throwing 65 pitches in the outing. Manaea looked like 2024 Manaea and gives the Mets a much-needed arm to help stabilize a pitching staff that’s gone through a lot this season.

On Deck

The Mets have reached the All-Star break and will get some much-needed rest, though Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, David Peterson, and Francisco Lindor are headed to Atlanta to represent the team in the Midsummer Classic.

They’ll resume play on Friday at Citi Field to open the second half of the season and kick off David Wright celebration weekend. While the Mets have yet to announce a starting pitcher, manager Carlos Mendoza said a decision will be made in the coming days. Whoever gets the ball will face Reds left-handed starter  Nick Lodolo (6-6, 3.38 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm ET, with coverage on SNY and Mets Radio 880.

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