Throwing error allows winning run to score as Mets take series opener over Brewers 3-2 in 10 innings

NEW YORK (AP) — Francisco Lindor made a diving catch at shortstop with the bases loaded in the ninth inning and scored the winning run on a throwing error in the 10th to lead the New York Mets past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Lindor and Luis Robert Jr. homered for the last-place Mets (60-72), who are 13-6 since selling big at the trade deadline. Lindor’s homer was his 154th for New York, tying Dave Kingman for sixth on the franchise list.

Carson Benge had his 11th three-hit game for the Mets, most among major league rookies.

With the Mets resting a couple of high-leverage relievers in their revamped bullpen, Austin Warren was summoned in the ninth to protect a 2-1 advantage. He gave up a leadoff double to William Contreras and a tying double to pinch-hitter Christian Yelich that left runners at second and third with nobody out.

But the major league-leading Brewers (81-51) were never able to push across the go-ahead run. With the bases loaded and two outs, David Hamilton hit a line drive off left-hander Jefry Yan that Lindor snagged on his backhand with a dive to his right.

A fired-up Yan pounded the turf and Lindor shouted in celebration — but then Lindor got picked off first base by closer Trevor Megill to end the bottom of the ninth.

Jonathan Pintaro (2-0) stranded two in a hitless 10th, and Megill loaded the bases with one out in the bottom half on an intentional walk to Benge and an unintentional one to Robert.

Christopher Morel hit a grounder wide of third, and Lindor scored when Hamilton’s throw to the plate was wild.

Mets starter Zac Thornton allowed one run and seven hits in six innings. Fellow rookie Nate Lavender extended his career-opening scoreless streak to 9 2/3 innings by retiring all six batters he faced before giving way to Warren, whose only big league save came as an Angels rookie in 2021.

Luis Lara had an RBI single for Milwaukee, which finished 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position. Contreras went 3 for 4 with a walk, and starter Kyle Harrison permitted one run over five innings.