Mets’ Six-Game Winning Streak Snapped by Rays’ Six-Run Sixth Inning, Bullpen Woes Raise Concerns

The New York Mets’ six-game winning streak came to a sudden halt Friday night at Citi Field, as a rare bullpen collapse allowed the Tampa Bay Rays to rally for a 7-5 victory in the series opener.

Starter Clay Holmes delivered a solid performance, limiting the Rays to one run over five innings on just 79 pitches. The Mets built a 5-1 lead by capitalizing on Tampa Bay’s defensive errors, with Starling Marte driving in three runs, including a two-out single that extended the advantage in the fifth inning.

However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the sixth. Reliever Paul Blackburn, set to join the rotation next week, struggled in his outing, surrendering four hits and four runs while recording only one out. Jake Mangum, a former Mets prospect, delivered a two-run single, and Max Kranick—making his Mets debut after a call-up from Triple-A—allowed two inherited runners to score before Danny Jansen’s two-run homer capped the Rays’ six-run outburst.

Despite multiple opportunities to recover, the Mets’ offense faltered in key moments. The team went just 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base. Juan Soto nearly tied the game in the eighth with a 110 mph drive to right field, but the ball died at the warning track. The Mets loaded the bases in both the seventh and ninth innings, but failed to deliver the decisive hit, with Ronny Mauricio striking out to end the game.

The loss marked only the Mets’ eighth defeat in 35 home games this season and their first time dropping consecutive contests since mid-May. The bullpen’s inability to hold a four-run lead raises questions as the team navigates injuries and a challenging division race.

Off the field, speculation continues about the potential sale of SNY, with owner Steve Cohen reportedly interested, while the roster remains bolstered by the re-signing of Pete Alonso and the addition of Juan Soto as the Mets look to stay competitive heading into the heart of the season. The Mets will aim to rebound Saturday with Tylor Megill set to face Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen.