In a tense moment for the Mets, with two players on base and the top of the lineup coming up, the team’s fortunes didn’t align, leaving both Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto ineffective. It seemed almost symbolic when Pete Alonso and Soto couldn’t push those runners across home plate during the critical seventh inning.
As the game dragged into the ninth, Jeff McNeill sparked some hope with a pinch-hit double but then walked. However, Lindor’s grounded double play squashed the momentum, and ultimately, Soto’s grounder concluded the game in a disappointing 6-5 loss to the Cubs.
On a brighter note, Brett Baty hit a homer that night. Pitcher Max Kranick, who had been shaky, allowed two early runs but managed to run into trouble again in the eighth.
Tyler Megill, unfortunately, had a rough outing, struggling to replicate his impressive start to the season. After posting a 1.09 ERA in his first four games, he had allowed eight runs over his last two appearances.
Megill didn’t find his rhythm, walking the first three batters he faced, starting with former Mets prospect Pete Crow Armstrong who singled, swiped second, and reached third on an error by Francisco Alvarez. Seiya Suzuki’s RBI single brought in the Cubs’ first run.
Things didn’t improve for Megill, who, despite walking Justin Turner to load the bases, managed to strike out Nico Hoerner. However, Baty misplayed Dansby Swanson’s hard hit, resulting in another two runs and sending the pitch count soaring.
Megill had previously excelled without allowing a win over his first three starts. But after two quick outs, he let Suzuki hit a leadoff double and allowed Michael Bush’s single that extended the Cubs’ lead.
In the bottom half of the innings, the Mets tried to answer back. Alvarez was hit by a pitch, and Tyrone Taylor reached on catcher interference, but Lindor and Soto failed to capitalize.
Things took a downturn when Swanson launched a homer into left-center. Alonso finally gave the Mets their first hit in the fourth with a single off Cubs pitcher Horton. Mark Vientos followed suit, but despite advancing on a wild pitch, Acuña struck out.
Baty came through, hitting a three-run homer—his second consecutive game with a homer. It was a significant moment, but right after, Lindor was the second out in the fifth. Alonso then grounded out to close the inning.
Baty had another chance in the sixth with two outs and a runner on second, only to see his hit caught by Suzuki. The seventh inning proved fruitless again, despite having the top hitters up. Taylor walked to keep hope alive, yet Lindor faced the hard-throwing Daniel Palencia, and Soto struck out while Alonso couldn’t deliver on a close call.
In the eighth inning, Kranick faced more heat, allowing Miguel Amaya’s two-run single, marking his fourth consecutive outing where he struggled. The night ended with a bitter taste for the Mets and their fans.
