CHICAGO — Jared Young began the day on the bench but ended up producing the biggest Mets hit Sunday.
Unfortunately for the team, Young’s ninth-inning RBI single against Grant Taylor that tied the game became a footnote when Tristan Peters smacked a walk-off homer against Kodai Senga in the bottom of the frame.
It was just the latest big hit for Young, who has an .871 OPS in August and has provided stability at a position (first base) that was a black hole for the Mets during most of the season’s first half.
“He’s always been a good hitter,” interim manager Andy Green said following the 2-1 loss to the White Sox. “This is the first time he’s gotten any runway in the big leagues, and he’s been really good. Those are the type of at-bats you have been getting. That’s a legit closer that has really good stuff and another big swing from him.”
The Mets needed more, but Francisco Alvarez and A.J. Ewing each struck out to leave the go-ahead run in scoring position. Alvarez struck out in both of his plate appearances to continue a recent slide. Overall, he’s struck out 29 times in his past 58 at-bats.
Young was on the bench at the start as Green deployed Eric Wagaman, a right-handed bat, at first base. But Wagaman was removed after only one plate appearance.
Bo Bichette went 0-for-4 and snapped his on-base streak at 12 games. During that streak, he posted a .462 on-base percentage with eight extra-base hits.
The Mets will face a second straight first-place opponent, with the NL Central-leading Brewers headed to Citi Field for three games beginning Tuesday. After the Brewers, it’s three games against an Astros team that currently leads the AL West. The Mets will play the AL East-leading Rays for three games beginning next Monday.
The Mets are 17-16 in interleague play this season, with plenty still ahead — games remaining against the Astros, Rays, Yankees, Orioles and Rangers.
