​NEW YORK (AP) — Tyrone Taylor entered the game after Mark Vientos left following a hit-by-pitch, and Taylor delivered the game-tying homer to spark a five-run fifth inning as the New York Mets defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-3. The blast helped power the Mets to their third series win since June 1, a noteworthy stretch for a club looking to stabilize its season.
Sean Manaea pitched his longest outing in 21 months, delivering seven innings while permitting six hits and three runs, two earned, and striking out six. It was his first time completing seven innings since Oct. 8, 2024, when he earned the win for New York in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Manaea improved to 2-4 with the performance, matching a strong return to form for the veteran left-hander.
Taylor shifted to center field in place of rookie A.J. Ewing, who debuted at second base as Brett Baty moved to third with Vientos leaving after the second inning. The Mets took advantage of the disruption in the Royals’ defense, using timely hitting to tilt the balance in their favor.
Bo Bichette provided the go-ahead sacrifice fly, while Carson Benge and Francisco Alvarez added RBI hits off Michael Wacha, who struggled through four and two-thirds innings in his start. Wacha, who earned his first All-Star selection in 11 years just last weekend, allowed six runs and six hits while recording five strikeouts.
Juan Soto added a homer in the seventh, further extending New York’s lead. Jared Young contributed two doubles, including an RBI double in the second, helping to build a cushion for the Mets. The offense supported Manaea steadily, with several players contributing key hits across the lineup.
Lane Thomas started the Royals’ rally by hitting Manaea’s first pitch into the left-field seats for his ninth career leadoff homer. The Royals also got a fourth-inning homer from Bobby Witt Jr., and Jac Caglianone added an RBI double in the seventh. Kansas City will look to regroup as they wrap up the road trip.
For the Royals, the loss adds to a difficult road trip, while the Mets continue their efforts to climb back into meaningful positioning within the NL standings. Kansas City will close out the trip in Baltimore with RHP Luinder Avila (4-3, 5.05 ERA) facing RHP Brandon Young (7-2, 3.38 ERA) on Friday. New York will host the Boston Red Sox on Friday, with Freddy Peralta (5-7, 4.68 ERA) slated to start for the Mets as they begin a series against Boston, though no Mets starter had been announced at the time of the report.