Francisco Lindors key error sinks Mets in sloppy loss to Twins

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.MINNEAPOLIS — The Mets have benefited on this road trip from sloppy play by opponents, but Tuesday night they had their own letdown on that front.It was one play, but also enough to shape the game.

Francisco Lindor booted a third-inning grounder, leading to two unearned runs, and the Mets never regained the lead in a 6-3 loss to the Twins at Target Field.This one wasn’t all on Lindor — the Mets wasted chances at the plate and had a rare lackluster bullpen performance — but the shortstop’s four errors over the team’s first 17 games is certainly noteworthy.Especially from a player consistently in the Gold Glove conversation at his position.Lindor is also yet to get on track offensively, owning a .641 OPS after going 1-for-5 with a single on a night the Mets got most of their scoring from the long ball: Pete Alonso and Juan Soto each homered.Lindor struck out to end the game after the Mets had put two runners on base in the ninth following a Twins error and botched double play.Tylor Megill wasn’t his sharpest over five innings, allowing four runs (two of which were unearned) on eight hits with three strikeouts.

The right-hander departed after 95 pitches.Megill still hasn’t completed six innings in a start this season but owns a 1.40 ERA.

Kodai Senga’s 1.06 ERA is the best among Mets starting pitchers.Alonso added to his torrid start with a two-out homer in the first inning for the game’s first run.The blast was Alonso’s fifth this season and second on the road trip, giving him 20 RBIs.

The first baseman began the day with a 1.136 OPS.Lindor’s fielding error in the third inning led to the Twins scoring two unearned runs to go ahead 2-1.Lindor booted Ty France’s grounder that should have been the third out, allowing Harrison Bader to score.

Carlos Correa’s ensuing RBI single brought in the second run.So...