The Mets moved up Wednesday’s start time to avoid the oncoming weather, but even so Griffin Canning rained on the parade. 

The right-hander has largely been a success story this season, but lately walks have sabotaged him. And on this day two errors behind him only exacerbated matters. 

So much for the sweep against an American League patsy; the Mets lost 9-4 to the White Sox at Citi Field to snap a four-game winning streak. The nine runs allowed were a season high by the Mets. 

It was a lost opportunity for the Mets (34-22), who will be visited for three games beginning Friday by a Rockies team on pace to eclipse the modern record for losses in a season that was established last year by the White Sox. This version of the White Sox isn’t much better, with 38 losses in 56 games. 

In his shortest non-weather affected start of the season, Canning lasted only three innings and allowed five runs, two of which were unearned, on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts. In his previous start, he pitched only 2 ²/₃ innings — a lengthy rain delay forced his removal. But Canning also struggled that night, walking four batters and allowing three earned runs against the Dodgers. 

Mets pitcher Griffin Canning reacts as he walks off the mound after ending the third inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST

“I was just not very good, not very competitive out there today,” Canning said. “I kind of let the team down, how I set the tone.” 

Canning, who has pitched to a 3.23 ERA this season, was asked if there was a common thread in his lack of control over his past two starts. 

“I am just not being competitive in the [strike] zone,” Canning said. “I am just probably trying to make too good of pitches instead of attacking guys.” 

Andrew Benintendi stroked a two-run single in the first inning to begin Canning’s rough afternoon. Mike Tauchman’s walk started the rally and Miguel Vargas doubled Tauchman to third before Benintendi delivered. 

Mets third baseman Mark Vientos watches his three run home run during the third inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST

Consecutive errors to begin the third helped sink the Mets further. Brett Baty committed a throwing error before Jeff McNeil booted a grounder, giving the White Sox runners on first and second. Tauchman unleashed a two-out double that scored both runners to widen the Mets deficit to 4-0. 

“We have got to be better,” manager Carlos Mendoza said, referring to his team’s defense. “We made some mistakes that especially at this level you are giving the other team extra outs, extra bases, it changes the whole game. We have got good defenders. Today we made two [errors], but I also feel like we made some big plays.” 

Canning’s troubles worsened in the third, when he surrendered a leadoff double to Lenyn Sosa. After Edgar Quero walked and an ensuing sacrifice bunt, Josh Rojas gave the White Sox a 5-0 lead with an RBI groundout. Canning issued another walk in the inning, to No. 9 hitter Michael A. Taylor, before escaping. 

White Sox Mike Tauchman hits a two-run RBI double in the second inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST

White Sox Korey
Lee is safe at second base on a fielders choice beating the tag by New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor in the second inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST

“My changeup didn’t necessarily feel super great today, or my slider,” Canning said. “But I have got to find ways to get guys out. I have other weapons. I am just falling behind guys and then being in the [strike] zone and walking guys isn’t a recipe for success.” 

Mark Vientos’ three-run homer against Shane Smith in the third got the Mets back into the game.

Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto drew consecutive walks to begin the inning before Vientos, with two outs, cleared the right field fence for his sixth homer of the season. 

Mets outfielder Juan Soto grounds out to third base in the first inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST

The White Sox scored twice in the sixth against Brandon Waddell in extending their lead to 7-3. Benintendi stroked an RBI triple to right field and scored on Sosa’s single. Tauchman doubled to start the rally. 

Rojas’ double in the seventh gave the White Sox runners on second and third before Taylor’s sacrifice fly pushed the Mets into an 8-3 hole. 

Benintendi homered in the eighth, leaving him a double short of the cycle. 

White Sox Josh Rojas beats the ball to the plate scoring on Mike Tauchman’s two-run RBI double in the second inning. JASON SZENES/NY POST

About the only positive development for the Mets was Waddell absorbing five innings, allowing Mendoza to rest a bullpen that has received plenty of high-leverage work.

Thursday’s off-day will provide a further break for that group.