Sean Manaea took control on Sunday afternoon, pitching a masterful seven innings of two-hit baseball as the New York Mets edged out the Chicago White Sox 2-0. This win, however, was more than just a routine victory—it marked a significant milestone in the annals of Major League Baseball, as the White Sox suffered their 107th loss of the season, setting a new franchise record for futility.
The Mets’ triumph also extended their winning streak to four games, bolstering their postseason aspirations as they continued to chase the final National League wild card spot. With only a few games left in the season, every win is critical for New York, and this latest victory kept them just two games behind the Atlanta Braves in the wild card race.
Manager Carlos Mendoza was visibly proud of his team’s effort and focus throughout the game and the entire road trip. “We knew coming in here, especially after playing tough opponents like the Padres and Diamondbacks, that we needed to keep the intensity high. We needed to stay locked in, match their energy, and play our game. I’m proud of the guys for staying focused and getting the job done one day at a time. Finally getting that last one 2-0 was important for us,” Mendoza said after the game, highlighting the significance of maintaining momentum as the postseason looms.
Lindor and Marte Power the Mets’ Offense
Offensively, the Mets were led by Francisco Lindor, who continued his stellar season by belting his 29th home run in the fourth inning. Facing Chicago’s Garrett Crochet, Lindor launched a solo shot that cleared the outfield wall, giving New York a crucial 1-0 lead. Lindor’s home run, his 29th of the season, underscores his importance to the Mets’ lineup, as he has consistently provided the power and run production needed to keep the team competitive.
Starling Marte, another key contributor to the Mets’ offense, added an insurance run in the ninth inning. Facing reliever Justin Anderson, Marte drove an RBI double off the center-field wall, extending the Mets’ lead to 2-0. Marte’s ability to deliver in clutch situations has been invaluable for New York, and his ninth-inning heroics ensured that the Mets would head back home with another win in their pocket.
The Mets’ offense, though not explosive, was timely and efficient. They capitalized on the few opportunities they had, which has been a hallmark of their play during this successful stretch of games. The team has now won nine of their last 13 games, a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure as they continue to battle for a postseason berth.
Manaea’s Mastery on the Mound
Sean Manaea (11-5) was the star of the day, showcasing his pitching prowess with a dominant performance on the mound. Over seven innings, Manaea allowed just two hits, struck out five batters, walked two, and hit one with a pitch. His ability to keep the White Sox hitters off balance was evident as he worked through the Chicago lineup with precision and control.
Manaea’s performance continued his recent run of success, as he has now gone 3-0 in his last four starts. The Mets have won 12 of his last 15 starts, a clear indication that when Manaea is on the mound, the team is in good hands. His consistency and effectiveness have been key factors in the Mets’ push for the playoffs.
Manaea was nearly perfect through the first four innings, retiring the first 11 batters he faced before issuing a walk to Lenyn Sosa. However, Manaea quickly erased that baserunner by picking off Sosa at first base to end the fourth inning. The White Sox didn’t manage their first hit until the fifth inning, when Miguel Vargas lined a single to left field with two outs. Even then, Manaea remained unfazed, continuing to attack the strike zone and keep the White Sox from mounting any serious threats.
In the seventh inning, Chicago finally had a chance to score, but Manaea and the Mets defense rose to the occasion. Luis Robert Jr. was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, but he was thrown out trying to steal second base, a critical play that deflated the White Sox’s momentum. After Andrew Vaughn walked and Gavin Sheets singled, putting runners on the corners with two outs, Manaea remained composed. He induced a fly ball to left field from Miguel Vargas, ending the inning and preserving the Mets’ slim 1-0 lead at that point.
Bullpen Closes the Door
After Manaea’s stellar outing, the Mets bullpen took over and ensured that the White Sox would not mount a comeback. Reed Garrett pitched a flawless eighth inning, retiring all three batters he faced with relative ease. Garrett’s performance was a continuation of his strong work out of the bullpen, providing the Mets with a reliable arm in late-inning situations.
The ninth inning belonged to closer Edwin Díaz, who delivered a dominating performance to secure the win. Díaz struck out the side in the ninth, earning his 16th save of the season in 22 opportunities. Since July 11, the Mets have recorded six shutouts, with Díaz playing a pivotal role in many of those games. His ability to close out games with authority has been a significant asset for the Mets as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
White Sox Set New Franchise Record for Losses
While the Mets celebrated another crucial victory, the White Sox found themselves on the wrong side of history. Chicago’s loss on Sunday was their 107th of the season, setting a new franchise record for the most losses in a single year. This loss eclipsed the previous record of 106 losses set by the 1970 White Sox, marking a low point in what has been a season filled with disappointment and frustration.
The White Sox’s struggles have been particularly evident since the All-Star break, as the team has posted a dismal 4-36 record in that span. Under interim manager Grady Sizemore, the team has managed just three wins against 18 losses, further compounding the difficulties that have plagued the team throughout the year.
This recent homestand was historically bad for the White Sox, as they became the first team since the 1965 Mets to endure three 10-game losing streaks in a single season. Chicago also completed their first 0-10 homestand in franchise history, a dubious distinction that underscores the depth of their struggles. The White Sox have now lost 12 consecutive games at Guaranteed Rate Field, tying their season high for consecutive home losses.
Crochet’s Strong Outing Not Enough
Amid the White Sox’s struggles, there were still some bright spots, particularly the performance of starter Garrett Crochet. The young left-hander tied an American League record by striking out the first seven batters he faced. Over 3⅓ innings, Crochet struck out eight batters in total, allowing just one run on three hits without issuing a walk. His dominance on the mound was a rare highlight for the White Sox in what has otherwise been a difficult season.
However, Crochet’s outing was cut short due to a pitch count, as the White Sox are carefully managing his workload following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Crochet missed most of the past two seasons due to the surgery and was primarily a reliever before being transitioned to a starter role.
Interim manager Grady Sizemore acknowledged Crochet’s frustration at being pulled from the game early but emphasized the importance of protecting his health and long-term future. “He was pretty frustrated when I came out there, but I think he knows the situation and what we’re trying to do,” Sizemore said. “He threw well. He was on, he had good stuff. It’s going to be tough when he’s on a short leash like that and a pitch count, but he’s never going to get to go as deep as he wants.”
Crochet’s performance was a reminder of his potential and the bright future that lies ahead if he can stay healthy. For the White Sox, finding positives in a challenging season has been difficult, but Crochet’s outing provided a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.
Looking Ahead
For the Mets, the focus now shifts to the final games of the regular season as they continue their pursuit of a postseason berth. With momentum on their side and the pitching staff firing on all cylinders, New York will look to maintain their winning ways and secure a spot in the playoffs. The contributions of players like Manaea, Lindor, and Marte will be crucial as the team navigates this critical juncture of the season.
Meanwhile, the White Sox will look to regroup and finish the season on a positive note, despite the challenges they have faced. With young talent like Garrett Crochet showing promise, there is hope that the team can build towards a brighter future. However, the record-breaking losses will undoubtedly cast a shadow over what has been a forgettable season for the South Siders.
As the season winds down, both teams will continue to battle—one for a spot in the postseason and the other for pride and future promise. The contrasts between the two clubs could not be starker, but for baseball fans, it’s the storylines like these that make the game so compelling.
The Information is Collected from ESPN and Yahoo.
