Juan Soto Belts 40th Homer, But Mets Slide to Eighth Straight Loss Against Rangers

NEW YORK — Juan Soto reached a major milestone on Sunday, swatting his 40th home run of the season, but the New York Mets’ struggles continued as they fell 6–4 to the Texas Rangers at Citi Field, extending their losing streak to eight games.

The Mets entered the matchup hoping to halt their skid behind rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat, who delivered one of the better outings of his young career. The 24-year-old lasted six innings, striking out seven and allowing three earned runs while showing poise against a potent Rangers lineup.

Soto provided the spark in the third inning, crushing a solo shot to right-center off Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi. The blast not only tied the game but also etched Soto’s name into Mets history as just the fifth player in franchise history to hit 40 or more homers in a single season.

Despite the milestone, New York’s offense sputtered outside of Soto’s heroics. The Mets managed just six hits on the day, and a late rally in the eighth fell short when Francisco Lindor grounded into an inning-ending double play with two runners aboard.

Texas, meanwhile, capitalized on bullpen miscues. Reliever Reed Garrett gave up a go-ahead double to Marcus Semien in the seventh, and Corey Seager followed with a two-run single to put the Rangers ahead for good.

With the loss, the Mets dropped below .500 for the first time since mid-May, casting further doubt on their fading postseason hopes. The Rangers, meanwhile, inched closer to securing a Wild Card spot with the victory.

The Mets will look to snap their skid Monday night when they open a three-game set against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.