Mets Fall to Angels in Extra-Innings Thriller After Costly Replay Lapse
Oswald Peraza delivers the game-winning hit in the 10th inning, while manager Carlos Mendoza's decision to pull Nolan McLean early leaves the Mets vulnerable against a resilient Angels lineup.
The New York Mets suffered a narrow defeat to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night, falling 4-3 in a contest that extended into extra innings. The decisive moment arrived in the bottom of the 10th when rookie outfielder Oswald Peraza connected on a two-strike single to drive in the winning run. Although the Mets had managed to tie the score in the seventh inning, their pitching staff could not secure a victory in the subsequent frames.
The turning point of the game occurred early, in the first inning, where a missed reviewable call proved costly. Right fielder Jorge Soler was tagged out before Nolan Schanuel touched home plate, yet the Mets failed to challenge the umpire's decision during replay review. This mental lapse allowed the run to count, giving the Angels a 1-0 lead that would ultimately prove insurmountable.
New York's pitching struggles were evident from the outset, with starter Nolan McLean removed after just four innings. Following a difficult outing that included three earned runs, the manager pulled McLean after 78 pitches, bringing in Tobias Myers to start the fifth. Despite Myers escaping trouble in his initial frames, the Mets bullpen was unable to maintain the momentum required to overcome the Angels' scoring opportunities.
The Mets briefly regained hope in the seventh inning when Andy Ibáñez, making his debut with the club, drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3. However, the Angels' relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel successfully navigated the ninth inning, including an intentional walk of Mike Trout to face Nolan Schanuel, who grounded out to preserve the lead.
In the bottom of the 10th, Angels reliever Austin Warren walked the first batter he faced before allowing a single that loaded the bases. Peraza then stroked a two-strike single into left field to complete the game-winner. He finished the night 3-for-5, capping a performance that highlighted the Mets' inability to capitalize on key opportunities against a well-rested Angels lineup.
The Mets are scheduled to close out the series against the Angels on Sunday afternoon. RHP Clay Holmes, who enters the game with a 3-2 record and a 1.75 ERA, is set to face off against Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz, who has a 2-0 record and a 3.09 ERA.
