Mets Rally for Series Lead Over Angels in MLB NL-AL Clash

The New York Mets secured a dramatic 7-5 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Angels on July 21, overcoming a four-run deficit thanks to strong relief pitching and timely hitting, including a two-run homer by Brett Baty. Mets starter Kodai Senga struggled, allowing four earned runs in three innings, but five relievers, capped by closer Edwin Diaz, held the Angels to just one run over six innings. The Angels, who led early with four runs and maintained a three-run lead into the seventh inning, faltered late due to pitching and defensive lapses, including a critical error that allowed the go-ahead run to score. Despite the loss, the Angels' offense has been productive recently, scoring against elite pitchers, but their bullpen has been a weak point, especially in preserving leads. The Mets, with a 56-44 record, are fighting to catch the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East, while the Angels, at 49-51, are on the cusp of falling out of the American League wild card race as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Both teams will continue their three-game series at Citi Field, with Mets right-hander Frankie Montas expected to start against Angels right-hander Kyle Hendricks following the Mets' comeback win.