Costly base running leads to Padres dropping series opener to Mets, 2-1
AP Photo
After taking two of three in Cleveland over the weekend, the Padres headed to Queens to take on the Mets for a three-game series at Citi Field. San Diego (67-58) has taken eight of their last 10 games, with the Mets (56-69) on a hot streak and winning seven of their last 10.
Walker Buehler started the game for the Padres. Buehler has allowed just one earned run in each of his last two starts, a four-inning start in Arizona (8/6) and a six-inning start at home against the Brewers (8/11).
Rookie Nolan McLean took the mound for the New York Mets. McLean has posted a 3.42 ERA in 136 2/3 innings in 2026.
Lining up on Monday
This is how Craig Stammen lined up his Padres against Andy Green, his former manager as a player and current interim skipper for the Mets.
Live from New York. pic.twitter.com/BRC4yZJixJ
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 17, 2026
Disastrous first frame for San Diego
The Padres hit four consecutive singles in the top of the first. It still led to no runs. Carson Benge throws out Jake Cronenworth and Manny Machado at home for the second and third out of the inning.
Some very questionable sends by #padres 3B coach Bob Henley in the first inning… Mets RF Carson Benge (95.5 mph arm) threw out Manny Machado and Jake Cronenworth at home by quite a lot in the first inning#forthefaithful pic.twitter.com/mBDr8tkNEV
— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 17, 2026
The Mets responded in the bottom of the first to take the early lead. Bo Bichette singled to right to score A.J. Ewing. Luis Robert Jr. hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Francisco Lindor. New York led 2-0 going into the top of the second.
More bad base running
Another runner got thrown at home by a Mets outfielder. This time, it was left fielder A.J. Ewing gunning out Xander Bogaerts (who seemingly ran through the stop sign).
A 3rd #padres baserunner has been thrown out at the plate. This time, it’s Xander Bogaerts by the Mets’ LF AJ Ewing
Bob Henley… pic.twitter.com/P0WPunbmwV
— Padres Highlights (@FriarHighlights) August 17, 2026
Buehler goes six strong
Despite surrendering two runs on two hits, Walker Buehler exits the game on the hook for the loss, with the Padres down 2-1. Buehler pitched six innings, walking two and striking out four. The Mets did not get a base hit off the right-hander after the first inning, once Buehler dialed in. Buehler tossed 86 pitches with 58 of those coming for strikes, all while inducing seven whiffs on the night.
Hart gives two innings
Behind in the game, Kyle Hart tossed two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth innings. Hart allowed three hits and struck out three men.
No answer for the Mets’ bullpen
Jonathan Pintaro, Nate Lavender, and Daniel Duarte finished the game for the Mets once McLean’s day was over. These three arms combined for three innings, allowing just one hit, a walk, and striking out two. Duarte, who owns a 0.93 ERA in 19 1/3 innings, closed the game out for the Mets.
Recap
Walker Buehler received his fifth loss of the year.
Nolan McLean won his ninth game of 2026.
Daniel Duarte picks up the save, his second of the season.
The Padres drop to 67-59 in 2026 as the Mets win their fourth straight game, and better their record to 57-69.
Tuesday in Queens
The Padres and Mets will meet on Tuesday for the middle game of the series. It’ll be a pair of left-handers dueling on Tuesday. Robbie Ray and his 6.00 ERA as a Padre will make his third start with his new team. Zac Thornton will make his ninth career start. In Thornton’s last start against the Braves, he went six innings, while giving up three earned runs on seven hits. First pitch at Citi Field is set for 4:10 PM PT/ 7:10 PM ET.
Angel grew up a San Diego sports fan, following the Padres, SDSU athletics, San Diego FC, as well as the Chargers. He is currently a student at San Diego State University, majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Public relations.