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ANAHEIM, Calif. — Since taking over as the Mets’ starting shortstop, Ronny Mauricio has found himself frequently struggling at the plate. His debut as shortstop was marked by a series of strikeouts, a trend that continued into his initial at-bat against the Angels on Friday, which ended with an inning-ending double play.
Despite these challenges, the Mets remain invested in Mauricio, largely due to his impressive raw power. That potential was on full display during the seventh inning, when Mauricio launched a crucial tiebreaking home run, propelling the Mets to a 4-3 win and snapping their two-game losing streak.
On the same day that the team’s president of baseball operations, David Stearns, announced his continued support for manager Carlos Mendoza amidst the team’s struggles, the Mets saw a solid performance from pitcher Christian Scott. The team overcame a three-run deficit in the sixth inning, with Mauricio’s powerful hit in the seventh proving decisive.
Mauricio’s homer came off a 1-1 fastball from Jose Fermin, rocketing out of the park with an impressive exit velocity of 111.3 mph. This marked Mauricio’s first home run of the season, a significant moment since he stepped in as the starting shortstop following Francisco Lindor’s move to the injured list due to a left calf strain, which could keep Lindor off the field for an extended period.
Mauricio crushed a 1-1 fastball from Jose Fermin, with a 111.3 mph exit velocity, for his first homer this season. Mauricio became the starter at shortstop last week when Francisco Lindor was placed on the injured list with a left calf strain that could keep him sidelined for months.
Mauricio began the day with a .192/.192/.192 slash line with 10 strikeouts in 26 at-bats.
The Mets bullpen handled the rest. Brooks Raley worked a scoreless seventh and Luke Weaver gained some redemption for his blown save a day earlier with a perfect eighth. Devin Williams got the final three outs for the save, signaling the conclusion of a six-game road losing streak.
In an improved performance from his season debut last week, Scott allowed three runs, one unearned, on three hits with eight strikeouts over five innings. Scott was removed at 74 pitches, preventing the Angels from facing him a third time through the batting order. Scott struggled with control last week against the Twins and was removed after walking five batters over 1 ¹/₃ innings.
Scott threw a high sweeper that Jorge Soler launched for a two-run homer in the first inning, placing the Mets in an immediate hole. Mike Trout singled in the inning before, with two outs, Soler hit a no-doubter over the left field fence.
Zach Neto got drilled by Scott leading off the third and stole second. When Neto later attempted to steal third, Francisco Alvarez unleashed a throw that sailed into left field, allowing the Angels to score their third run.
The Mets loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth against Walbert Urena, but Marcus Semien was retired on a fly to right after working a full count. Bo Bichette singled leading off and Juan Soto and Brett Baty each walked. MJ Melendez and Alvarez each struck out with Bichette in scoring position.
Urena was knocked out in the sixth on Bichette’s line drive that struck his right leg and caromed for a leadoff single. Urena, who crumpled to the ground, attempted to remain in the game, but was physically unable.
Brent Suter entered and allowed singles to Soto and Alvarez, the latter of which pulled the Mets within 3-1. Semien’s two-run single with two outs tied it.
Scott began rolling in the middle innings, retiring nine straight batters after he plunked Neto in the third. During that stretch, he struck out five, getting the Mets to a spot where Mendoza wouldn’t have to stretch out the bullpen.