Full Breakdown
Dodgers Edge Mets 4-3 Amid Fielding Missteps and Yamamoto’s Milestone Win
7/26/2026, 8:41:21 PM
Core Game Summary
On July 26, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 4–3 at Citi Field. Rookie right-hander Nolan McLean (7-7) allowed four runs, only two of which were earned, over six innings. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11-6) limited the Mets to one run in six innings, earning his 100th career win. The Dodgers’ margin came largely from two defensive lapses by the Mets: a throwing error by first baseman Brett Baty that opened the third inning and a passed ball by catcher Francisco Alvarez in the eighth. Kyle Tucker homered for the second straight game, and Andy Pages drove in two runs.
Background & Context
The Mets entered the game with a 43-62 record, the league’s worst after placing All-Star slugger Juan Soto on the injured list. Their defense has been a liability this season; the error on Saturday was the team’s 70th of the year and Baty’s second misplay at an unfamiliar position in a week, following a costly right-field error against Milwaukee. With the trade deadline approaching, the Mets have been showcasing Baty’s versatility, but recent miscues have raised questions about his defensive reliability.
Data & Statistics
- Dodgers: 5-0 record vs. Mets this season; best overall record at 67-38.
- Mets: 43-62 overall; 2-11 with runners in scoring position, stranded 10 runs.
- Brett Baty: committed his 70th error of the season; second error this week at a non-primary position (metsmerized).
- Francisco Alvarez: charged with a passed ball, the most in the National League.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: 11-6 this year, leads the majors with 16 quality starts, and recorded his 100th career win.
- Kyle Tucker: homered in back-to-back games, his ninth of the season.
- Andy Pages: 1-for-4, drove in two runs.
Official Statements & Responses
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted that Yamamoto’s performance, while “good, not great,” showed growth, emphasizing the pitcher’s ability to limit damage despite control issues. Yamamoto himself described the outing as a sign of progress, acknowledging that his command was off but that he managed to execute when needed. Mets personnel did not issue a formal comment in the immediate aftermath.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I really think it’s a sign of growth to be able to hold the opponent to a run over six innings when I’m throwing like that,” — Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- “There were a lot of games in which I got hit,” — Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- “From the time I was in the bullpen, I wasn’t able to throw the ball the way I wanted,” — Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- “There were some bad walks in there,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
- “I think that he made pitches when he needed to, as he always does,” — Dave Roberts, dodgers manager
What’s Next
The Dodgers will close the three-game series on Sunday, with right-hander Emmet Sheehan (4-7) slated to start against Mets rookie Freddy Peralta (5-9). Both clubs remain focused on the upcoming trade deadline and the implications of the Mets’ defensive struggles for their roster decisions.
