It was a game the New York Mets were poised to win, until chaos unfolded in the eighth inning and turned everything upside down.
The Los Angeles Dodgers capitalized on a brutal defensive blunder Thursday night, coming from behind to steal a 6–5 win at home. For Mets fans, it was yet another frustrating chapter in a season full of head-scratching moments.
The Play That Changed Everything
With New York Mets clinging to a one-run lead in the eighth, the Dodgers had runners on the corners and one out. Andy Pages grounded to third, and Brett Baty fielded it cleanly. He fired home to try to cut down Will Smith, the runner sprinting from third.
But disaster struck.
Baty’s throw was low and bounced into the dirt. Catcher Francisco Alvarez couldn’t handle it cleanly, and the ball popped into the air. Mets pitcher Reed Garrett, hustling to back up the play, caught the ball midair and lunged to tag Smith, only to slam into Alvarez, who was still trying to find the ball. Smith slid in safely, the score was tied, and the Mets were rattled.
The miscue didn’t just cost the Mets the lead, it cost them the game.
Former Met Michael Conforto delivered the go-ahead RBI single moments later, pushing the Dodgers ahead 6–5. Closer Tanner Scott took care of business in the ninth, locking down the save and capping a dramatic comeback.
Another Gut Punch for New York Mets
The New York Mets’ blow late lead headlines are becoming all too familiar. While the team showed promise for much of the night, the error-filled ending overshadowed the earlier positives.
It was a moment that captured the inconsistency and fragility of New York’s bullpen and defense, and gave the Dodgers just enough to seize control late.
