Pete Alonso and Jesse Winker contributed back-to-back home runs in the first inning, helping the New York Mets secure a 5-3 victory over the slumping White Sox on Saturday night. The defeat marked Chicago’s 106th loss, equaling a franchise record.
The Mets, with a record of 72-64, extended their winning streak to three games and closed in within two games of the final NL wild card spot currently held by Atlanta. Their recent form sees them having won eight of their last 12 games, propelling them to eight games over .500, a first for this season.
On the other hand, the White Sox (31-106) suffered their ninth consecutive loss, matching a franchise record previously set in 1970. Their struggles continued as they dropped to a 4-35 record since the All-Star break, putting them on pace to challenge the modern major league record for most losses in a season, which stands at 120 by the 1962 Mets.
Alonso’s two-run homer, his 30th of the season, and Winker’s long ball set the tone early in the game for the Mets. Alonso now has surpassed 30 home runs in five out of his six major league seasons, all with New York. The victory also saw contributions from Winker with three hits and two RBIs.
Jose Quintana earned the win for the Mets after pitching five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) and striking out six. The Mets’ bullpen held firm, with José Buttó securing his third save of the season, closing out the game in a tense ninth inning.
Both teams are preparing to make roster adjustments with MLB roster expansions coming up. The Mets will add LHP Alex Young, while the White Sox are considering bringing in RHP Jairo Iriarte and OF Zach DeLoach. In the injury update, Mets’ RHP Paul Blackburn is scheduled for a rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.
The upcoming matchup will feature Mets’ LHP Sean Manaea seeking his fourth consecutive win against White Sox’s LHP Garrett Crochet on Sunday.
