Mets drop series to Astros as bats besides Juan Soto go silent again in loss
HOUSTON — Juan Soto showed up for the Mets’ opening series of the season, but he didn’t receive much help.A lineup built to torment opponents isn’t there yet.Start with Francisco Lindor, who went hitless the three games, and then skip over Soto before working down the batting order.The Mets aren’t hitting.On Saturday they managed only one hit in a 2-1 loss to the Astros at Daikin Park in the series rubber game.All told, the Mets scored five runs over the three games and can only hope a jaunt to Miami for a series against the perennially undermanned Marlins can awaken their slumbering bats.Lindor, who finished 0-for-11 in the series, left the tying run stranded at second base in the eighth inning as part of a frustrating performance for the Mets, who finished 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.Lindor, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Mark Vientos were a combined 4-for-42 (.095) in the series.
Soto, who had the Mets’ lone hit on Saturday, reached base seven times in the three games and hit the team’s only homer.On this night the Mets’ chief tormenter was Spencer Arrighetti, who allowed one earned run over six innings. The Mets received a solid outing from Griffin Canning in his first start for his new team.
The right-hander became the first Mets starting pitcher this season to record an out in the sixth inning.Overall, he lasted 5 2/3 innings and surrendered two earned runs on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts.
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