Jared Young’s Late Heroics Fall Short as Mets Lose

CHICAGO — Jared Young, who started the day on the bench, ended up delivering the most significant hit for the Mets on Sunday.

His ninth-inning RBI single against Grant Taylor, which tied the game, was overshadowed when Tristan Peters hit a walk-off homer against Kodai Senga in the bottom of the ninth.

This hit was just another highlight for Young, who has posted an .871 OPS in August. He has brought some needed stability to first base, a position that had been a major issue for the Mets during much of the season’s first half.

“He’s always been a good hitter,” emphasized interim manager Andy Green after the Mets’ 2-1 loss to the White Sox. “This is the first time he’s gotten any runway in the big leagues, and he’s been really good. Those are the at-bats you want. That’s a genuine closer out there with great stuff, and he had another big swing.”

The Mets needed more offensive support. Unfortunately, Francisco Alvarez and A.J. Ewing both struck out, leaving the go-ahead run in scoring position. Alvarez’s struggles continued as he struck out in both of his chances, marking 29 strikeouts in his last 58 at-bats.

Young initially sat out as Green chose to start Eric Wagaman, a right-handed player at first base, who lasted just one plate appearance before being replaced.

Bo Bichette also had a tough day, going 0-for-4 and ending his on-base streak at 12 games. During that stretch, he managed an impressive .462 on-base percentage, racking up eight extra-base hits.

The Mets are about to face another challenge with the NL Central-leading Brewers visiting Citi Field for a three-game series starting Tuesday. Following that, they’ll take on the Astros, who are at the top of the AL West, and the Rays, leading the AL East, in the subsequent games.

The Mets have a record of 17-16 in interleague play this season, with notable matchups still remaining against teams like the Astros, Rays, Yankees, Orioles, and Rangers.