The Mets dropped their series finale to the Texas Rangers 3-1, failing to complete the sweep after taking the first two games. What a bummer, especially after Francisco Lindor kicked things off with a ground-rule double right in the first inning. That early spark saw Lindor come home on a Carson Benge RBI single just three batters later, putting the Mets up 1-0. Benge’s hit was even called “Teh aw3s0mest play” with a +9.4% WPA, so you know it was a big moment. Too bad it was one of the only big moments for their offense.
Mets’ Bats Disappeared Against Their Own Past
After that first inning run, the Mets’ bats seemed to go into full Texas BBQ coma mode. They only reached base *four more times* over the next eight innings! Twice on hits, a single from Brett Baty and a double from Nick Morabito, and twice via the walk, one each for Juan Soto and Marcus Semien. You just can’t win like that. And who was doing the shutting down? None other than former Mets first-round track pick Kumar Rocker, now pitching for the Rangers. He was absolutely solid over five innings for Texas, aside from that first-inning run. Rocker walked two, struck out four, and lowered his ERA to 4.38 on the season. Then, the Rangers bullpen tag-team of Robert Garcia, Tyler Alexander, Chase Silseth, and Jordan Montgomery totally blanked the Mets, letting just one base runner on over the game’s final four frames. Brutal.
Home Runs Sink Mets’ Pitching Effort
On the pitching side for the Mets, Zach Thornton was pretty solid in what was his final start of the year. He threw five innings, allowing only two runs, striking out four and walking one. The only real damage came from a two-run home run by Josh Jung in the bottom of the first. That Jung blast was even flagged as “Teh sux0rest play” at -18.6% WPA. Thornton only threw 83 pitches, so you might think they could have pushed him for another inning, but hey, what’s the point if the bats are silent? Jefrey Yan came in to relieve Thornton and on his second pitch of the afternoon, allowed a solo shot to Corey Seager, extending the Rangers’ lead to two runs. Yan only lasted two-thirds of an inning before Austin Warren stepped up, pitching a perfect inning and a third. Jack Weisenberger also made an appearance, giving up a hit and a walk in his inning, but managed to strand both runners.
So, with this 3-1 victory, the Rangers managed to keep their playoff hopes alive. They’re sitting a half game up on the Rangers, apparently, before Houston plays the Athletics this evening. Meanwhile, the Mets are heading to Washington D.C. to face the Nationals for their final series of the season. No word yet on who starts for the Mets after Christian Scott went on the IL, but Andrew Alvarez is slated to start for the Nats. For the Mets, it was a rough ending to a series that started so strong. As for the game’s overall WPA, it was a net negative for both pitchers and batters, with “Nobody” being the big winner and Bo Bichette taking the “big loser” title with a whopping -18.0% WPA. Oof.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Amazin’ Avenue.
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