Overview
- Sean Manaea pitched seven innings in the Mets’ 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, allowing three runs (two earned), one walk and six strikeouts.
- He surrendered a first-pitch leadoff homer to Lane Thomas and a solo shot to Bobby Witt Jr. but settled in and retired long stretches thereafter.
- Manaea threw 97 pitches and relied mainly on his sinker, sweeper and four-seam fastball, with his four-seamer topping out near 93 mph.
- The length of the start let New York use only two relievers, Huascar Brazobán and Devin Williams, easing a bullpen that had been heavily taxed in prior games.
- The outing raises hope that Manaea can give the Mets needed rotation length after limited deep starts since 2024 and could reduce reliever wear over the coming series.