Francisco Alvarez homered in his second game since returning from the minor leagues, and the New York Mets rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night at Citi Field. Ryne Stanek closed out the win by retiring Mike Trout with two runners on base, helping the Mets secure their third straight victory and second consecutive comeback win over the Angels.
The Mets entered the game as -130 favorites on the moneyline, with the Angels listed at +110. The over/under for total runs was set at 8.5, a number that ultimately fell short as both teams combined for just five runs.
New York’s offense came alive in the fifth inning after being hitless through the first 4 2/3 innings by Angels starter Kyle Hendricks. Brett Baty started the rally with a double, followed by Alvarez’s game-tying two-run home run to left field. It was Alvarez’s fourth homer of the season and his first at Citi Field. Ronny Mauricio followed with a single, stole second, and scored on Brandon Nimmo’s go-ahead RBI single to give the Mets a 3-2 lead.
Frankie Montas earned the win, improving to 3-1 while securing his third straight winning decision. The right-hander pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on eight hits and striking out six. Montas worked through early traffic and held the Angels scoreless after the fifth inning. He received a standing ovation from the home crowd upon exiting in the sixth.
The Angels struck first with a solo home run by Jorge Soler in the second inning. Nolan Schanuel added to the lead with an RBI double in the fifth, part of a career-best four-hit night. The Angels had a prime opportunity to add to their advantage later in the inning with runners on second and third and one out. Montas struck out Trout, walked Taylor Ward to load the bases, and retired Jo Adell on a deep flyout to center to end the threat.
Hendricks took the loss, falling to 5-7 on the season. The veteran right-hander cruised through the early innings but allowed four consecutive hits in the fifth that led to all three Mets runs. He finished with 4 2/3 innings pitched, giving up three earned runs on four hits with one strikeout and one walk.
The Mets’ bullpen held the lead over the final 3 1/3 innings. Rico Garcia and Reed Garrett combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief before Stanek pitched the ninth. With regular closer Edwin Díaz getting a night off, Stanek earned his third save of the season by inducing a popup from Trout with two runners aboard.
Francisco Lindor went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and remains mired in a career-worst hitless streak of 30 at-bats. Juan Soto added a defensive highlight by throwing out a runner at the plate in the first inning and also set a personal best with his 13th stolen base of the season.
The series concludes on Wednesday afternoon. The Mets are expected to start left-hander Sean Manaea (0-1, 2.45 ERA), while the Angels have not yet announced a starting pitcher and may opt for a bullpen game.
