The New York Mets edged out the Toronto Blue Jays in a thrilling 4-3 victory at TD Bank Park in Dunedin. It was a game where every pitch and swing counted, showcasing the depth and resilience of both teams.
Clay Holmes took the mound for the Mets, delivering a solid performance over three and two-thirds innings. Despite giving up a two-run homer to Kazuma Okamoto, Holmes was otherwise sharp, striking out three and allowing just one hit. His participation in the World Baseball Classic seems to have given him a slight edge in stamina early this season.
The Mets' offense sparked in the third inning when Nick Morabito, recently added to the 40-Man Roster, drove in Jackson Cluff. Morabito then crossed the plate himself thanks to an MJ Melendez double, leveling the score.
The sixth inning saw Ronny Mauricio kick things off with a bloop double. Jacob Reimer, pinch-running for Mauricio, scored the Mets' third run in a heads-up play when Vidal Bruján stole second, and a throwing error allowed Reimer to dash home. However, Bruján left the game with a hand injury from his slide, and the extent of it remains uncertain.
Tobias Myers was a rock on the mound, pitching two and a third innings without giving up a run, while striking out three.
Cristian Pache added to the Mets' lead with a towering solo shot in the seventh, making it 4-2.
Ryan Lambert, who has been turning heads with his preseason form, dazzled in his inning of work. Touching 99 MPH on the radar gun, he struck out three, allowing only a single hit to Carlos Mendoza.
Heading into the ninth with a 4-2 lead, things got tense as Trey McGough allowed a walk, a double, and a single, letting the Blue Jays close the gap. But McGough regained his composure, striking out veteran Eloy Jiménez before inducing a game-ending 3-3-2 double play off the bat of Jay Harry.
This game was a testament to the Mets' depth and ability to capitalize on key moments, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead.