• Mets rally in the ninth inning to tie the game but ultimately fall 3-2 to the Royals on a walk-off single.
• Jeff McNeil delivered a clutch pinch-hit, game-tying RBI triple in the ninth inning.
• Sean Manaea made his impressive 2025 season debut, striking out seven batters over 3 1/3 relief innings.
• The team struggled with runners in scoring position, going just 1-for-7 and stranding eight.
• Despite the loss, the Mets head into the All-Star break after announcing four players were selected for the game.

Just when you thought they'd pulled a rabbit out of the hat, the game was snatched away. The Mets entered the ninth inning staring down a shutout, only to stage a thrilling rally to tie the game, but ultimately fell 3-2 to the Kansas City Royals on a walk-off single. It was a gut-punch ending to the first half, denying the team a valuable series sweep as they head into the All-Star break.

The Mets went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and stranded eight, a familiar frustration that ultimately sealed their fate.

So Close, Yet So Far

For eight innings, the Mets' offense was silenced by Royals rookie Noah Cameron. But the ninth inning brought a jolt of life. Ronny Mauricio kicked things off with a leadoff double, and pinch-hitter Jeff McNeil followed with a ringing RBI triple off the center-field wall. Jared Young promptly did his job, lofting a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 2-2. The dugout was electric, the comeback complete. But the joy was short-lived. In the bottom of the frame, Nick Loftin delivered the final blow, a walk-off single that sent the Mets into the break on a low note.

A Welcome Return for Manaea

The biggest silver lining of the day was the long-awaited season debut of Sean Manaea. After battling oblique and elbow issues, the lefty finally took the mound and looked sharp. Pitching in relief, Manaea went 3 1/3 innings, striking out seven and allowing just one run—the unfortunate walk-off winner. Despite taking the loss, his velocity was crisp and his stuff was electric. Seeing him pitch effectively is a massive boost for a rotation that will need reinforcements for the second-half push.

Atlanta Bound: Mets Celebrate Four All-Stars

While the loss stings, there's plenty to celebrate this week. The Mets are officially sending a formidable quartet to the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor will represent the infield, while Edwin Diaz's dominance out of the bullpen and David Peterson's stellar first half earned them well-deserved nods. It's a testament to the core talent on this roster and gives fans something to cheer for during the midsummer classic.

Looking Ahead: The Break, The Deadline, and The Farm

With the first half in the books, all eyes turn to the future. First up is the All-Star Game, followed by a much-needed rest. Then, the front office faces big decisions as the trade deadline looms. The team's needs are clear, and with top prospects like Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, and Carson Benge continuing their development in the minors, the Mets have valuable assets to either build around or use to acquire key pieces for a championship run. Sunday's loss highlighted the team's inconsistencies, making the next few weeks crucial for shaping the rest of the season.

So the Mets head into the break with the bitter taste of a walk-off loss but the sweet satisfaction of four All-Stars and a healthy Sean Manaea. The failed sweep in Kansas City serves as a stark reminder that every game counts. Now, the team gets a moment to reset before the second-half grind begins, with the trade deadline promising to add another layer of intrigue. The stage is set for a dramatic finish to the 2025 season.