Eduardo Escobar hit a two-run homer, Carlos Carrasco pitched effectively into the sixth inning and the host New York Mets beat the Texas Rangers 4-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Starling Marte homered, and Jeff McNeil hit an RBI double for the Mets, who gave manager Buck Showalter his 1,600th career win. Showalter became the 22nd manager to reach 1,600 wins and is two behind Fred Clarke for 21st on the all-time list.
Jonah Heim homered for the Rangers, who were unable to win consecutive series for the second time this season.
Carrasco (9-4) avoided a third straight loss after allowing a combined 11 runs and 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings in consecutive losses to the Houston Astros. He allowed one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings Sunday to go along with eight strikeouts and one walk.
Texas starter Jon Gray (4-4) allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. Gray struck out seven, walked one and was unable to win four straight starts for the first time in his career.
New York went ahead 1-0 in the first when Marte blasted a slider to left field and the Rangers evened it when Heim hammered the first pitch of the third into the New York bullpen beyond the right-center field fence.
The Mets’ Pete Alonso struck out to start the fourth but reached second on Heim’s throwing error and scored on the next pitch when McNeil doubled to the right field corner. Escobar followed by lifting an 0-2 fastball over the right-center field fence for a 4-1 lead.
It was the third time in his career Escobar homered in three straight games.
Carrasco exited after allowing a single to Nathaniel Lowe that put runners at first and second. Joely Rodriguez retired Kole Calhoun to end the sixth before striking out two in the seventh and Adam Ottavino breezed through a 1-2-3 eighth.
Edwin Diaz stranded two in the ninth for his 18th save in 21 chances.
–Field Level Media
