On May 26, 2025, baseball fans at Citi Field in Queens, Sox New York, witnessed an electrifying start to a three-game series between the New York Mets and the Chicago White Sox. In a tightly contested game, the Mets rallied late to secure a 2-1 walk-off victory, thanks to a clutch sacrifice fly by Francisco Lindor in the ninth inning. The game showcased strong pitching, defensive grit, and a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This recap dives into the key moments, standout performances, and what’s next for both teams in this interleague matchup.
A Pitching Duel Dominates Early Innings
The game kicked off with a pitching matchup that set the tone for a low-scoring affair. The Mets sent right-hander Clay Holmes to the mound, while the White Sox countered with Adrian Houser, a former Met who was released by the team in July 2024. Both pitchers delivered stellar performances, keeping hitters off balance and runs at a premium.
Holmes, in his 11th start of the season, threw a career-high 102 pitches over 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on four hits. Despite battling control issues with three walks, he stranded five White Sox runners, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. His ability to escape jams was crucial in keeping the Mets in the game, especially in the fourth inning when the White Sox took a 1-0 lead.
Houser, now wearing a White Sox jersey, was equally impressive. Returning to Citi Field, he silenced his former team for six innings, allowing only two hits and no runs. His performance was a stark contrast to his 2024 stint with the Mets, where he posted a 5.84 ERA before being released. Houser’s command and poise kept the Mets’ offense quiet, with only Brandon Nimmo’s double in the first and Lindor’s single in the sixth reaching base. The White Sox’s decision to sign Houser to a one-year, $1.35 million contract earlier in May paid dividends in this outing, as he proved his worth in his second start of the season.
White Sox Strike First
The White Sox broke the deadlock in the fourth inning. Mike Tauchman drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third on a double by Miguel Vargas. Andrew Benintendi then delivered a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Tauchman and giving Chicago a 1-0 lead. The run highlighted the White Sox’s ability to capitalize on small opportunities, a necessity for a team struggling offensively this season. With a team fWAR of 0.0 in 2025, Chicago’s bats have been among the league’s weakest, making every run critical.
Despite the early lead, the White Sox couldn’t build momentum. Holmes and the Mets’ defense locked down, preventing further damage. The game remained 1-0 into the late innings, setting the stage for a dramatic Mets comeback.
Mets Rally Late for the Win
For seven and a half innings, the Mets’ offense struggled, managing just three hits against Houser and the White Sox bullpen. The tide turned in the eighth inning when Houser faltered, walking Juan Soto and allowing a single to Pete Alonso. Chicago turned to rookie left-hander Brandon Eisert, who faced a bases-loaded situation with two outs. Jeff McNeil stepped to the plate but struck out looking on a borderline pitch, ending the threat and keeping the White Sox ahead.
The Mets refused to go quietly. In the eighth, Juan Soto delivered a sacrifice fly to score Luisangel Acuña, tying the game at 1-1. The momentum carried into the ninth, where Tyrone Taylor ignited the rally with a leadoff double. With the bases loaded and no outs, Francisco Lindor stepped up and attacked the first pitch from White Sox reliever Steven Wilson, launching a 329-foot sacrifice fly to right field. The ball was deep enough to score Taylor, securing a 2-1 walk-off victory for the Mets.
Lindor’s clutch performance was no surprise. The Mets’ star shortstop has been a walk-off machine, with this being his third of the season and the team’s fifth in just 26 home games. Since the start of 2024, the Mets have recorded 16 walk-offs, tying for second-most in the majors. Lindor’s heroics earned him a celebratory water jug dousing from teammates Brandon Nimmo and Brett Baty, a moment captured in a post-game interview.
Standout Performers and Key Moments
Francisco Lindor was the hero of the night, going 1-for-4 with the game-winning RBI. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has been a cornerstone of the Mets’ success, as noted by manager Carlos Mendoza, who praised Lindor’s readiness from the first pitch. Juan Soto also played a pivotal role, tying the game with his sacrifice fly in the eighth. Despite a slow start to the 2025 season, Soto’s effort was lauded by teammate Brett Baty, who called his two-run double in a previous game “huge.”
For the White Sox, Adrian Houser’s dominant outing was a bittersweet highlight. Facing his former team, he allowed just two hits over six innings, showcasing the form that made him a reliable starter for the Milwaukee Brewers earlier in his career. However, the White Sox’s offense struggled to support him, finishing with only four hits and going 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position.
Clay Holmes also deserves credit for keeping the Mets competitive. His 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball gave the offense time to find its rhythm, even if it took until the final moments. Edwin Díaz earned the win in relief, closing out the ninth for the Mets.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Mets improved to 33-21 with the victory, staying two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East race. Their ability to pull off gritty wins, despite offensive struggles throughout May, speaks to their resilience. The series continues on Tuesday, May 27, at 7:10 p.m. ET, with Tylor Megill (3-4, 3.56 ERA) facing off against White Sox right-hander Shane Smith (1-3, 2.26 ERA). Megill will look to build on his recent 10-strikeout performance against the Boston Red Sox, while Smith has been a bright spot in Chicago’s rotation this season.
The White Sox, now 17-37, continue to face challenges in a difficult 2025 campaign. After setting the modern MLB record for losses in 2024, the team is showing signs of improvement under first-year manager Will Venable. The potential return of pitcher Jonathan Cannon, who has been sidelined with back tightness, could bolster their rotation for the remainder of the series. Cannon’s versatility and 4.49 ERA as a rookie provide hope for a team looking to build for the future.
Why This Game Matters
This game underscored the contrasting trajectories of the two teams. The Mets, with a strong 33-21 record, are in the thick of a playoff race, leveraging their pitching and clutch hitting to stay competitive. The White Sox, despite their struggles, showed fight through Houser’s gem and a scrappy defensive effort. For fans, the game was a reminder of baseball’s unpredictability—where a former player can haunt his old team, and a single swing can change the outcome.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on whether the Mets can maintain their momentum and if the White Sox can steal a win on the road. For now, Mets fans are celebrating a hard-fought victory, while White Sox supporters hold out hope for a brighter future.
For more details on the game, check out the official MLB recap at MLB.com or follow live updates on SNY.tv. For betting odds and predictions, visit Sportsbook Wire.
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