​The Mets were shut out by the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, dropping the contest 4-0. Facing rookie Eduardo Rivera, making his first career start after previously appearing in the majors just twice, New York struggled to dent the scoreboard all day. Rivera, recalled from Triple-A to start in place of the injured Ranger Suarez, limited the Mets to a single hit over 3.2 innings. Boston’s pitching continued to dominate as four Red Sox relievers combined for 5.1 scoreless frames, yielding only two hits and keeping the Mets off balance throughout the afternoon.
New York did create opportunities, primarily through a patient approach that yielded seven walks. In the second inning, Carson Benge opened with a free pass and stole second, but he was stranded. The Mets again loaded the bases in the seventh after two walks and a single, only for A.J. Ewing to strike out looking to end the threat. The following inning featured back-to-back walks by Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, but the Mets could not push a run across after a flyout and a double play. Francisco Álvarez supplied two of New York’s three hits, including an infield single in the fifth, while Brett Baty’s 10-game hitting streak ended with an 0-for-3 day, though he did reach base on a walk.
Freddy Peralta’s struggles persisted, as the right-hander lasted only 4.1 innings. It marked the third consecutive start in which he didn’t cover five frames and the sixth straight start without reaching six innings. His day was hampered by five walks that inflated his pitch count, though his lone blemish came in the fourth when Andruw Monasterio launched a two-run homer. Monasterio also collected a triple in the sixth, contributing to a day of efficient contact and scoring chances for the Red Sox.
After Peralta departed, the Mets’ bullpen steadied the ship, keeping Boston from expanding its lead and giving the offense a chance to swing back. A.J. Minter delivered a strong relief performance in the sixth, stranding Monasterio at third base after his leadoff triple and punching out a pair. Brooks Raley worked a clean seventh inning, handing the ball to Tobias Myers, who faced immediate trouble by allowing a two-run homer to Masataka Yoshida that extended Boston’s advantage. Myers has been uncertain lately, bouncing between the minors and majors, and his 13.14 ERA over his last seven appearances reflects the volatility; his season ERA sits at 6.26.
Despite the late pressure, New York went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base, underscoring the offense’s inability to convert opportunities into runs. The 6-foot-7 lefty Rivera dominated in his major league debut start, delivering 3.2 innings of shutout ball, a performance that underscored the Mets’ offensive struggles and highlighted how quickly Boston’s pitching stifled the visitors.
Looking ahead, the Mets wrap up the series with a Sunday matinee slated for 1:40 p.m. New York has not yet announced a starter for the finale, though rookie left-hander Zach Thornton (0-1, 4.35 ERA) is with the club and could receive the start. Boston, meanwhile, is expected to turn to left-hander Payton Tolle (5-6, 3.14 ERA).
For better SEO, this recap emphasizes key players, game flow, and pitching matchups, while maintaining focus on the crucial moments—Rivera’s debut effectiveness, Peralta’s control issues, and the Mets’ missed scoring opportunities. The narrative highlights both teams’ strengths and the pivotal at-bats that defined the 4-0 final.