Mets Fall Short in Extra Innings Despite Strong Comeback

The Mets’ offense and bullpen managed to support Sean Manaea after a rough inning, but they couldn’t quite recover from a crucial misplay.

After digging out of a five-run deficit, the Mets pushed the game into extra innings. Unfortunately, an error from Brett Baty led to a 7-6 loss in ten innings during their season opener against the Guardians. A crowd of 37,886 fans witnessed the emotional rollercoaster.

With this defeat, the Mets (63-50) have now lost six of their last seven games. This one felt different, though. Pete Alonso kicked off a five-run rally and smashed his 251st home run, placing him just behind Daryl Strawberry’s franchise record. Plus, the bullpen had been sharp—until the game slipped away.

In the tenth inning, as Ryan Helsley took the mound, the Mets chose to intentionally walk José Ramírez. From there, David Frye hit a grounder toward third. Baty attempted to throw to second, but his errant throw went wide, allowing a key run to score. Shortly after, Gabriel Arias hit a deep sacrifice fly that sealed the game.

The Mets did manage to start the tenth with an automatic runner but couldn’t capitalize. Lewis Torrence’s fly ball to the warning track ended the chance.

Facing a 5-0 deficit in the sixth, the Mets’ bullpen held strong, not allowing any runs for an impressive 4⅓ innings, showcasing Edwin Diaz’s solid performance.

In the ninth inning, Brian Rocchio singled and stole second before advancing to third on a wild throw from Francisco Álvarez. However, Diaz prevented any runs from scoring, throwing sliders to get out of the jam.

Once Manaea allowed five runs in the sixth, the Mets’ lineup, particularly Alonso, seemed to wake up. Lindor struck out but advanced on a wild pitch, and Juan Soto managed to ground a ball effectively.

Alonso then launched his 251st home run, just shy of tying the franchise record, pulling the Mets closer with a shot that traveled 388 feet.

The Mets showed signs of life in the eighth inning, as the top of the order got into gear. Lindor connected for a single, followed by a hit from Soto. Alonso brought in another run with his fourth RBI of the night, resulting in loaded bases for Jeff McNeil.

Mark Vientos then drove a sacrifice fly to tie the game, but the Mets couldn’t find that final hit. On two outs, Cedric Mullins was caught in a diving play from Rocchio and Baty.

Manaea had pitched efficiently in five innings but hit a snag in the sixth, allowing runs with a string of singles—none of which were particularly hard hits.

Kwan found a gap for a single, and Angel Martinez’s bunt turned into a hit after he was plunked. After a wild pitch advanced the runners, a line drive brought in the first run of the game.

Alonso managed to snag a fly ball, but Carlos Santana took advantage of an opening and secured another run for the Guardians. Manaea ultimately couldn’t escape the inning, surrendering to a center changeup from Gabriel Arias.