Mets lose 12 straight games for first time since 2002 in loss to Twins

The light at the end of the New York Mets’ clubhouse tunnel looked bright as Francisco Lindor hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the third inning and starter Nolan McLean mowed down Minnesota Twins batters and went hitless into the sixth inning.

The Mets’ 11-game losing streak — their longest since 2004 — was about to end at Citi Field as they headed home Tuesday.

Until it wasn’t.

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McLean’s no-hitter ended with a single by Matt Wallner to lead off the sixth inning, but the junior starter, who is in Team USA’s World Baseball Classic rotation, was able to strike out the next two batters. But his Team USA teammate, center fielder Byron Buxton, gave all Mets fans a “here we go again” moment by hitting a two-run home run into left field to cut New York’s lead to just one run.

Instead of manager Carlos Mendoza heading to the bullpen in the seventh inning, McLean took to the mound and Luke Keaschall tied the game after a one-out single to lead off Kody Clemens, who doubled to right field. It was a 3-3 game and the Mets’ losing streak was approaching overtime.

The wheels came off in the top of the ninth inning as reliever Devin Williams, who had struggled in the previous two races, ensured that the losing streak continued.

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Williams walked Josh Bell and Ryan Jeffers to start the inning, and Kody Clemens’ sacrifice bunt ended with the bases loaded after the Mets failed to get an out. Keaschall then hit another game-winning single, scoring James Outman.

Williams’ lack of control cost the Twins their first lead of the night as he once again walked Wallner, allowing a free run to hit home from third base. It might have been even worse if not for Austin Warren coming into the game and shooting all three Twins he encountered to stop the bleeding.

Nolan McLean of the New York Mets reacts during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on April 21, 2026 in New York City. (Elsa/Getty Images)

But with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, the Mets couldn’t execute their own come-from-behind magic. Luis Torrens struck out, Francisco Alvarez lined out to right field and Tyrone Taylor struck out swinging. In fact, the Mets went hitless in the final five innings of the loss.

Now, for the first time since 2002, the Mets, who have the highest payroll in MLB at nearly $334 million, have lost 12 straight games.

Some fans entered the stadium with paper bags on their heads and tears streaming down their eyes. There may have been a moment when they came close to taking them out, but that’s the way things are going for the Mets right now.

“They’re not going to be happy, that’s no secret,” Mendoza said before Tuesday’s loss. per ESPN. “Our fan base will let you know when you’re not playing well.”

A New York Mets fan expresses frustration during a game against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, New York City on April 21, 2026. (Elsa/Getty Images)

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This is a Mets team with playoff expectations, but the losing streak has caught them with a 7-16 record; They are tied for worst in MLB with the Kansas City Royals.

New York will try it all again tomorrow in Flushing, Queens, with Clay Holmes starting for the Mets. And perhaps the last ray of hope for fans is that superstar outfielder Juan Soto is expected to return to the lineup after dealing with a calf strain.