Bradford DoolittleApr 21, 2026, 09:24 PM ETCloseMLB writer and analyst for ESPN.com Former NBA writer and analyst for ESPN.com Been with ESPN since 2013Multiple Authors
NEW YORK — For five innings Tuesday, the New York Mets were perfect. But for a team that suffered its 12th straight loss, the last four frames were perfectly discouraging.
The Minnesota Twins capped their comeback from a 3-0 deficit with a two-run ninth against Mets closer Devin Williams, beating a beleaguered New York club 5-3 on a frigid night at Citi Field.
As one might expect, the Mets’ mood after the game was as cool as the air on the field during it. Another game, another loss, another round of the same questions.
Williams, who inked a three-year, $45 million contract with the Mets over the winter and inherited New York’s closer role from Edwin Diaz, entered the game to begin the ninth with the score tied at 3-3. He failed to retire any of the five batters he faced, walking three and giving up two runs before being pulled by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
“I felt a little out of sync mechanically,” Williams said. “I couldn’t really land my changeup for a strike. So it was tough to try and just beat guys with just a fastball.”
The start of the game was as promising for the Mets as the ending was discouraging. Rookie starter Nolan McLean rolled through five perfect innings, racking up eight strikeouts and finishing with 10. It was the second time this season that he began a game with five perfect innings, only the third pitcher in Mets history to achieve that feat.
“Nobody’s feeling it more than us players,” McLean said. “Guys are showing up early, getting their work in. Everybody’s working their butts off. So it stings to go out there and not be able to get it done.”
The sting the Mets are feeling now has a historical component to it: With the losing streak reaching 12, the Mets became the 139th team of the World Series era to suffer a skid that long during a season. None of the other 138 has gone on to reach the postseason.
“I think we just need to get the one win out of the way and I think everything else will take care of itself,” Williams said. “But it’s obviously proving pretty difficult right now.”
Bradford DoolittleApr 21, 2026, 09:24 PM ETCloseMLB writer and analyst for ESPN.com Former NBA writer and analyst for ESPN.com Been with ESPN since 2013Multiple Authors
CloseMLB writer and analyst for ESPN.com Former NBA writer and analyst for ESPN.com Been with ESPN since 2013
“It’s tough, man,” Williams said. “I’ve never been a part of something like this, you know?”
Lindor was asked how he and his teammates can change that.
Byron Buxton’s home run helps Minnesota Twins cut into lead vs. Mets (0:42)Byron Buxton’s home run helps Minnesota Twins cut into lead vs. Mets on April 21, 2026. (0:42)