ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mets Fall Short Against Angels in Close Game

The Mets faced a familiar struggle Saturday night, coming back from an early deficit yet again, but this time, the mood was far from celebratory.

They squandered several chances, including a missed replay challenge that could have negated the Angels’ first-inning run.

This loss halted any hopes of back-to-back victories, a feat they’ve managed only once since early April.

In a tight 4-3 loss at Angel Stadium, former Yankees player Oswaldo Peraza clinched the game with an RBI in the 10th inning off pitcher Austin Warren. This marked the Mets’ 18th defeat in their last 22 games.

On top of the loss, team morale took a hit as Ronnie Mauricio broke his left thumb while diving for first base and was promptly placed on the injured list. This further highlighted the Mets’ need for a reliable shortstop, following Francisco Lindor’s injury earlier in the week due to a strained calf.

Warren was down 0-2 with two outs when Peraza stepped up and hit a crucial single to left field. Earlier, Warren had walked Jorge Soler and permitted a single from Joe Adell, pushing the automatic runner to third.

Adell’s single gave the Angels a 1-0 advantage in the first inning, although it’s worth noting that this run arguably shouldn’t have counted. Replay reviews indicated that Soler was tagged out before touching first base, but the Mets did not challenge the call.

“I guess we missed a call on the replay,” coach Carlos Mendoza said, acknowledging the oversight. “When you lose by one run, it becomes a significant play, and I think we could have capitalized on that.”

No one had a tougher night at the plate than Bo Bichette, who hit into a double play in the 10th after Brett Batty interfered with the catcher. Earlier, in the seventh when the game was tied, Bichette had another chance but ended up with a fielder’s choice, never allowing the Mets to take the lead.

“We had a chance to win,” Bichette reflected. “I had two opportunities, and I let us down.”

Nolan McLean had a short outing, pitching just four innings and giving up three earned runs on six hits, while striking out six and walking one. Bichette managed to tie it up with an RBI single in the third, thanks to Austin Slater’s double, claiming his 15th RBI of the season.

However, Vaughn Grissom’s two-run homer gave the Angels a 3-1 lead, catalyzed by Soler’s walk and Adel’s single. A wild pitch from McLean advanced the runners, setting the stage for Grissom’s hit. Fortunately, McLean struck out Travis d’Arnaud to minimize the damage.

“I just wasn’t executing,” McLean admitted. “Being behind in the count makes it hard to pitch effectively.”

The Mets managed to level the score at 3-3 in the seventh, but failed to capitalize further with the bases loaded. Bichette grounded into a fielder’s choice, and Soto struck out against Sam Bachman.

After taking an early lead with Andy Ibanez’s sacrifice fly, the Angels responded with Taylor’s RBI single to even things up.

A replay challenge went the Mets’ way when Mauricio’s dive to first was ruled an infield hit, but tragically, that celebration was short-lived as he fractured his left thumb upon landing. This incident left the bases loaded but ultimately, Bichette and Soto couldn’t deliver.

Mendoza noted, “You want Bo and Juan at the plate in those situations; they typically come through.”

Tobias Myers pitched effectively until the seventh inning, where a two-out hit allowed the Angels to take the lead. Huascar Brazoban was able to retire Soler and end the inning without further damage, concluding Myers’s outing with an impressive 2.05 ERA this season.