The Mets vs Rangers matchup at Globe Life Field ended with the New York Mets earning a 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night, September 22, 2026. New York capitalized on several Texas defensive mistakes and produced the key runs late in the game.
The result moved the Rangers to 78-79 on the season and left their position atop the AL West increasingly important with only five regular-season games remaining. The Mets, meanwhile, received timely production from Francisco Alvarez and Carson Benge while their pitching staff limited Texas’ offense over the final innings.
Mets vs Rangers Score
The final score was:
New York Mets 6, Texas Rangers 3
The Rangers briefly held a 3-2 advantage after scoring twice in the fourth inning, but the Mets responded with three runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to take control.
Francisco Alvarez delivered the biggest offensive blow of the night with a two-run double in the sixth inning.
Francisco Alvarez Changes the Game
Alvarez was one of the central figures in the Mets’ victory. He opened the third inning with a double and later scored on a Juan Soto RBI single to give New York an early 1-0 lead.
His most important contribution came in the sixth.
After Brett Baty doubled and Carson Benge reached base, Marcus Semien’s grounder produced a force out. Alvarez then lined a two-run double into center field, bringing Baty and Semien home and putting the Mets ahead 4-3.
Alvarez eventually scored again in the inning, giving New York a 5-3 lead.
His production proved especially important because the Mets had been trailing after Texas scored twice in the fourth.
Carson Benge Adds Another Run
Benge also played a major role in the Mets’ offensive effort.
He doubled in the fourth inning and came around to score when Alvarez’ fly ball dropped during a defensive miscommunication between Texas outfielders Ezequiel Duran and Brandon Nimmo.
Benge returned to the spotlight in the seventh inning. After Brett Baty reached base, Benge delivered an RBI double that brought Baty home and extended the Mets’ advantage to 6-3.
That seventh-inning run gave New York additional breathing room.
Rangers Defense Costs Them
The Rangers’ defense was a major storyline throughout the game.
Texas committed several costly mistakes that helped the Mets generate runs. One of the most notable moments came in the fourth inning when Duran and Nimmo converged on a ball hit by Alvarez but failed to make the catch.
Later, Jake Burger had an opportunity to make a throw home after catching a foul pop, but the ball was not released quickly enough to prevent Alvarez from scoring.
There was also an errant throw from Josh Jung earlier in the game that helped Semien reach and eventually score during the Mets’ sixth-inning rally.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker acknowledged that defensive mistakes played an important role in the loss.
MacKenzie Gore Battles Through Five Innings
Texas starter MacKenzie Gore completed five innings and allowed two runs, with only one charged as earned.
Gore entered the game after leaving his previous outing against Boston with muscle spasms. His fastball velocity was reportedly lower than his normal range, but he remained in the game after being checked by the training staff during the third inning.
Despite the reduced velocity, Gore kept Texas within striking distance.
The Rangers eventually turned to Nathan Eovaldi in the sixth inning, but the Mets took advantage of the change in pitching and broke the game open.
Mets Pitching Holds Texas in Check
Sean Manaea started for New York and worked through five innings. Texas scored three runs against him, including two sacrifice flies during a bases-loaded fourth inning.
Manaea settled down after the Rangers took the lead and retired the side in order in the bottom of the fifth.
The Mets’ bullpen then helped protect the advantage.
After New York moved ahead 6-3, its relievers prevented another Rangers comeback. Kodai Senga entered in the ninth inning and closed out the victory.
Rangers’ Offense Leaves Opportunities Behind
Texas did have chances throughout the game but could not consistently convert them.
The Rangers went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position, a statistic that proved costly in a three-run defeat.
Josh Jung supplied an important RBI double in the third inning, while Elías Díaz and Wyatt Langford each produced sacrifice flies in the fourth.
However, the Rangers were unable to generate another major rally after the Mets regained the lead.
Mets vs Rangers: Key Moments
Several moments shaped the outcome:
- Third inning: Francisco Alvarez doubled and later scored on Juan Soto’s RBI single.
- Bottom third: Josh Jung tied the game with an RBI double.
- Fourth inning: A defensive miscommunication helped the Mets regain the lead.
- Bottom fourth: Texas scored twice on sacrifice flies to move ahead 3-2.
- Sixth inning: Alvarez hit a two-run double to put New York ahead.
- Seventh inning: Benge added an RBI double for a 6-3 Mets lead.
- Ninth inning: Kodai Senga closed the game for New York.
Mets vs Rangers Series Continues
The Mets and Rangers continue their series in Texas on Wednesday, September 23. Nolan McLean was listed to start for New York, while Texas had yet to announce its starter in the information provided.
With the Rangers still fighting to maintain their position in the AL West and the regular season nearing its conclusion, every game carries significant importance for Texas.
The Mets vs Rangers opener ultimately belonged to New York, with Alvarez’s clutch hitting, Benge’s timely production and several Texas defensive miscues combining to produce the 6-3 result.
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