The Mets struggled to score runs in a 5-0 loss to the Tigers, extending their losing streak to four games. Despite a strong outing from starting pitcher Sean Manaea, the Mets were unable to generate any offense, mustering only five hits against the Tigers bullpen. Joey Wendle’s fielding error in the 10th inning allowed the Tigers to score the game’s first run, with Javier Baez and Carson Kelly adding insurance runs with a sacrifice fly and a three-run homer, respectively. This marks the Mets’ first four-game losing streak to start a season since 2005.
Sean Manaea made his Mets debut as a starting pitcher, delivering an impressive performance by tossing six shutout innings with only one hit allowed, two walks, and eight strikeouts. Manaea retired the first 12 batters he faced before giving up a walk in the fifth inning. Despite some hard-hit balls in the fifth, Manaea managed to escape unscathed. His no-hit bid through 5 2/3 innings was the longest for a pitcher in his Mets debut. Manaea recorded 13 swings and misses, with seven coming on his four-seam fastball, reaching a top speed of 95.5 mph.
The Mets had a scoring opportunity in the first inning but failed to capitalize, leaving runners stranded. Francisco Alvarez managed a double with two outs in the sixth, but the Mets were unable to score. In the seventh, Starling Marte singled to lead off the inning but was left stranded as the Mets failed to bring him home. The Tigers managed to break the scoreless tie in the 10th inning, scoring five unearned runs after Joey Wendle’s error with Mark Canha getting hit by a pitch. Javier Baez and Carson Kelly provided the additional runs for the Tigers.
Despite a strong outing from Manaea and some offensive opportunities, the Mets could not get on the scoreboard, leading to their fourth consecutive loss. Michael Tonkin struggled in the 10th inning, allowing five unearned runs, sealing the victory for the Tigers. Moving forward, the Mets will look to regroup and find ways to generate more offense to support their pitching staff. The Tigers, on the other hand, will look to build on this win and continue their success in the early stages of the season.
