Mets’ short-handed bullpen gives up lead in 10-inning defeat against Dodgers

Dodgers Edge Out Mets in Extra Innings

LOS ANGELES – The Mets battled it out for nine innings but ultimately fell short against a tough Dodgers lineup, losing 6-5 in 10 innings.

This marked the second consecutive night the Mets found themselves on the losing end of a close game. Last night’s extra inning loss was defined by intense moments at Chavez Ravine.

It was a dramatic evening, highlighted by Max Muncy’s second home run of the night. The victory was sealed by a pivotal double from Freddie Freeman in the 10th inning, bringing in José Batoto.

The right-handed reliever began the 10th by intentionally walking Shohei Ohtani, only to see Mookie Betts retire quickly thereafter. Freeman’s double advanced the automatic runner to scoring position.

Edwin Diaz, a key player in the bullpen, was unavailable after pitching three times in four days, marking the first blown save of the season.

The Mets had a four-game winning streak before this, and they fell half a game behind the Cubs for the best record in the National League.

Tyler Megill had a rough start, giving up four runs in the first inning. Surprisingly, he regained his composure and managed to blank the Dodgers through the sixth inning.

He ended up throwing 105 pitches, a season best for him, which helped in managing the beleaguered bullpen. Overall, Megill allowed four hits, one walk, and struck out seven batters over six innings.

Brandon Waddell contributed with a scoreless seventh inning, while Reed Garrett managed to escape the eighth without allowing any runs despite facing some pressure.

The Mets initially took the lead when Pete Alonso hit an RBI single following a walk to Starling Marte, who advanced to second on a wild pitch.

But the Dodgers quickly responded, tying the game. Freeman’s RBI double was followed by a walk to Teoscar Hernández, and an eventual RBI fielder’s choice from Will Smith put the Dodgers ahead. Muncy’s home run left the Mets trailing 4-1.

While Kershaw dealt with some walks, Ronnie Mauricio attempted a double play during his first at-bat in the majors since 2023. Kershaw managed to escape the inning unscathed.

Later, Juan Soto hit a two-run homer in the third inning, closing the gap to 4-3. Soto’s powerful swing marked his 11th home run of the season.

The Mets took the lead in the fifth, making it 5-4 after Alonso’s deep hit tied the game. Much of this rally was aided by a crucial error from Muncy, allowing runners to advance.