The Mets concluded the first half of their 2025 season with a 3-2 loss against the Kansas City Royals, losing on a walk-off single by Nick Loftin after managing to tie the game in the top of the inning. With a 55-42 record, they head into the all-star break just half a game behind the 55-41 Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East after the Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1.
After being scoreless for eight innings and trailing 2-0, the Mets tied the game against all-star closer Carlos Estevez. Ronny Mauricio started the 9th with a double, followed by a pinch-hit RBI triple from Jeff McNeil on a fly ball beyond center fielder Kyle Isbel’s reach, causing him to crash into the wall. Brett Baty grounded out pinch-hitting for Luis Torrens, and Jared Young, pinch-hitting for Luisangel Acuna, tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
Following starter Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea made his first appearance of the 2025 season, ultimately taking the loss after allowing the walk-off single to Loftin in the ninth following a one-out single to Michael Tolbert, who then stole second base. Manaea gave up one run over 3.1 innings, throwing 66 pitches, allowing five hits, and striking out seven, including five consecutive strikeouts.
Manaea rejoined the Mets with a three-year, $75 million contract after a strong 2024 season. An oblique strain in spring training and a subsequent elbow issue delayed his return. The team expects to rely on him heavily in the season’s second half.
Manaea said it felt good to be back and healthy, though the loss was disappointing. Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza noted that Loftin was to be Manaea’s last batter due to a 60-65 pitch count. Despite the loss, Mendoza praised Manaea’s pitching performance.
Holmes pitched five innings, allowing two runs and five hits, with two strikeouts and a walk, managing to keep Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. under control with two double-play grounders. John Rave’s two-run double in the second was the Royals’ only offense, and Holmes retired 11 of the next 14 batters after that hit.
Royals rookie pitcher Noah Cameron shut down the Mets’ offense, tying a career high with eight strikeouts over 6.2 scoreless innings, lowering his ERA to 2.31, despite seven hits and two walks.
The Mets struggled offensively, unable to capitalize on early chances, leaving runners on in critical moments and going 1-7 with runners in scoring position. McNeil’s triple was the only hit with a runner in scoring position. They failed to score despite early opportunities against Cameron.
The Mets have had ongoing issues hitting with runners in scoring position, entering the game with a .230 average in these situations. Mendoza cited consistency as a key issue but acknowledged the Royals’ strong pitching. Mendoza emphasized the need for adjustments and hard work to address these struggles.
The Mets have now lost their last game before the all-star break nine consecutive times, with their last win in this game coming in 2015.
While Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, and David Peterson will participate in the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta, the Mets face the likely loss of reliever Max Kranick for the rest of the season. Prior to Sunday’s game, Mendoza announced Kranick would consult with a surgeon during the break, considering Tommy John surgery, which he had undergone in 2022.
Kranick was placed on the injured list on June 19 with a flexor strain. In 24 games this season, Kranick had a 3-2 record with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.054 WHIP, achieving 25 strikeouts and five walks over 37 innings.
This news about Kranick follows the announcement that teammate Dedniel Núñez would also undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time.
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