ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An odd game that featured some of everything — defensive miscues, a drilled pitcher exiting early, nine walks issued by Mets pitchers, the Rays running wild and a series of lead changes — finished with a suitable stunner.
Edwin Diaz blew his first save in nearly two years in the ninth, and the Rays mounted a 10th-inning rally to escape with a 7-6 over the Mets at Tropicana Field to finish off a gut-wrenching sweep.
The Mets were a strike away from escaping.
After two quick outs in the ninth, Randy Arozarena blasted a full-count Diaz slider over the left-field seats.
It was Diaz’s first blown save since May 24, 2022, and forced the Mets into extras.
The Mets scored once in the 10th, when Brandon Nimmo reached because first baseman Yandy Diaz dropped a throw that allowed a run to score, but the game was lost in the bottom of the inning.
With runners on the corners, Jonny DeLuca drilled a gapper to left-center against Jake Diekman.
Harrison Bader attempted a superman catch but could not reach the ball, which skipped past him and to the wall to end it.
The skidding Mets (16-18), who have lost 10 of 14, are two games under for the first time since they were 6-8.