The Mets couldn’t rock Rocker, fall to Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 24: Zac Thornton #49 of the New York Mets pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on September 24, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images After taking the first two games of their three-game seri

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After taking the first two games of their three-game series, the Mets’ bats couldn’t shake off the (presumed) Texas BBQ coma they were in, dropping the series finale to the Rangers 3-1.

The Mets got off to a good start today, with Francisco Lindor leading off the game with a ground-rule double. Lindor would come around to score on a Carson Benge RBI single three batters later, putting the Mets up 1-0. However, the Mets would reach base just four more times over the subsequent eight innings, twice

on hits (a single from Brett Baty and a double from Nick Morabito), and twice via the base on balls (Juan Soto and Marcus Semien).

Former Mets’ first round track pick Kumar Rocker started for the Rangers and, aside from the first inning run, was solid over five for Texas. He walked two, struck out four, and lowered his ERA to 4.38 on the season. Relievers Robert Garcia, Tyler Alexander, Chase Silseth, and Jordan Montgomery all blanked the Mets, allowing just one base runner over the game’s final four innings.

Aside from allowing a two-run home run to Josh Jung in the bottom of the first, Zach Thornton was solid in his final start of the year. He pitched five innings, allowing just those two runs, striking out four and walking one. With 83 pitches on the afternoon, they could’ve pushed him to potentially pitch one more inning, but why?

Thornton was relieved by Jefrey Yan, who on his second pitch of the afternoon, allowed a home run to Corey Seager to extend the Rangers’ lead to two runs. Yan would last two-thirds of an inning before he was relieved by Austin Warren, who was perfect in his inning and a third of work. Jack Weisenberger gave up one hit and one walk in his inning, but stranded both runners.

With this win, the Rangers keep their playoff hopes alive, as they are currently a half game up on the Rangers before Houston plays the Athletics this evening.

The Mets travel to Washington D.C. to face the Nationals in the final series of the season. The Mets have not announced a starter after Christian Scott went on the IL, but Andrew Alvarez will start for the Nats.