In a game defined by late-inning drama, Pete Alonso cemented his status as the National League’s most dangerous hitter, driving the New York Mets to a 7-6 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. Alonso’s three-hit, three-RBI showcase, highlighted by a pivotal eighth-inning homer, underscored his red-hot start to the 2025 season and proved decisive in the series opener at West Sacramento’s temporary home ballpark . Alonso’s Dominance at the Plate The Mets’ first baseman wasted no time making an impact, going 3-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and reaching base four times. His fifth-inning RBI double off A’s starter JP Sears on the eighth pitch of the at-bat set the tone, while his eighth-inning solo blast against reliever José Leclerc—his fourth homer of the year—provided the margin needed to withstand Oakland’s ninth-inning rally 137. Alonso now leads MLB in slugging (.778) and OPS (1.260) while boasting a .378 average, the second-highest in the majors. “I’m just trying to stay disciplined and capitalize when I get my pitch,” Alonso said, downplaying his patience-driven approach. “If I can put a good swing on it early, great. But I’ll grind if I have to”. Team Effort and Key Moments While Alonso stole the spotlight, the Mets’ collective plate discipline wore down Oakland’s pitching staff. New York hitters saw 210 pitches, including 101 from Sears in just four innings, and averaged 4.77 pitches per plate appearance—a season-high for the team 15. Brandon Nimmo ignited the scoring with a second-inning solo homer, and Starling Marte’s two-run double in the sixth extended the lead to 6-1. The Athletics clawed back with Miguel Andujar’s two-run homer in the sixth and a nervy ninth inning against closer Edwin Díaz, who allowed two runs but stranded the tying run on base. “He got the job done,” manager Carlos Mendoza said of Díaz, who secured his third save despite a shaky 7.94 ERA to start the year . Strategic Baserunning and Momentum Shifts A heads-up play by center fielder Jose Siri in the sixth inning epitomized the Mets’ aggressive mindset. After Alonso lifted a shallow sac fly, Siri sprinted home from third, capitalizing on A’s right fielder Lawrence Butler’s sluggish reaction. “I saw he wasn’t set, so I went for it,” Siri explained. The daring dash extended the lead to 4-1 and shifted momentum firmly in New York’s favor . What’s Next The Mets will look to build on this momentum as the series continues, with left-hander David Peterson slated to start Saturday. For Alonso, the focus remains simple: “Keep swinging at good pitches and trust the process” . Box Score Highlights NYM : Alonso (3-for-3, HR, 3 RBI); Nimmo (1-for-4, HR); Marte (1-for-5, 2 RBI) OAK : Andujar (2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI); Jacob Wilson (RBI single, extending hit streak to 14 games) With Alonso’s bat leading the charge, the Mets continue to validate their early-season promise, blending power, patience, and timely execution.
Game Details Opponent: Toronto Blue Jays First Pitch: 3:10 p.m. ET 1. Gates Open: While not explicitly stated for Opening Day, playoff games in 2024 opened gates at 2:30 p.m. ET, suggesting fans should arrive early. Sold-Out Options: Citi Pavilion (Section 143) offered cardmembers perks like $30 concession credit but is now sold out. Alternative: Cheaper tickets available for the April 6 game ($19) with a Juan Soto pin giveaway. Purchase Tips: Use verified platforms (e.g., MLB.com, SeatGeek) or check secondary markets Citi Field is cashless; use reverse ATMs to convert cash to prepaid cards Transit Options Subway: 7 Train: Direct to Mets-Willets Point Station (express/local). Redbird Nostalgia Train: Special vintage subway departs 12:00 p.m. from 34 St–Hudson Yards, arriving in ~35 minutes with stops at Times Square, Grand Central, and Queensboro Plaza . Railroads: LIRR: Direct service via Port Washington Branch (19 minutes from Penn Station) or transfer at Woodside. Metro-North: Connect to LIRR or 7 train at Grand Central. Buses: Q48 Bus: Stops at 126 St/Roosevelt Av near Citi Field . Rideshare/Accessibility: Access-A-Ride: Drop-off at Bullpen Gate (126 St/37 Av). Lots Open: 2.5 hours pre-game (~12:40 p.m. ET). Accessible Parking: Available in Lots B, F, and Southfield . Cashless: Credit/debit cards only . Key Tips Arrive Early: Avoid crowds and security delays (backpacks prohibited). Public Transit: MTA recommends subways/LIRR as fastest and eco-friendly options. Concessions: Alcohol sales stop after the 7th inning; ID required for purchases Block Party: Pre-game festivities (DJ, mascots) likely, based on past events .
Juan Soto, the $765 million man, has wasted no time justifying his historic contract. In his first six games with the New York Mets, the 26-year-old superstar has already become the heartbeat of Queens, slashing .320/.500/.640 with two home runs and a league-leading seven walks. His presence in the lineup has energized a fanbase starved for a transcendent talent, and his effortless blend of patience and power has opponents pitching around him like a modern-day Bonds . “I’m just being myself,” Soto said after a recent win, downplaying the hype. “The goal is to win here, and we’ve got the guys to do it.” His humility belies his impact: Soto’s arrival has lifted the Mets’ playoff odds to 76%, a stark contrast to their underdog status in 2024 35. Fans at Citi Field now chant “MVP!” during his at-bats, a testament to his immediate cultural imprint . Soto’s decision to join the Mets over the Yankees was rooted in family and vision. “They showed me love, how they stick together,” he explained, referencing owner Steve Cohen’s pitch about building a legacy in Queens. The deal, which includes perks like a personal security team and a luxury suite for family, underscored the Mets’ commitment to making him the centerpiece of their “new era” 1012. Clay Holmes: The Steady Hand in a Revamped Rotation While Soto dominates headlines, right-hander Clay Holmes has quietly emerged as a linchpin in the Mets’ rotation. Acquired in a trade last offseason, Holmes has posted a 2.89 ERA through his first two starts, anchoring a staff missing injured arms Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. His sinker-heavy approach has induced ground balls at a 65% rate, stabilizing a rotation that ranked middle-of-the-pack in 2024 . “Clay’s been everything we hoped for,” said manager Carlos Mendoza. “He’s a leader, and he sets the tone for our pitching group.” Holmes’ $13 million salary now looks like a bargain, as his veteran presence balances a staff featuring Kodai Senga and breakout prospect Christian Scott 5. Carlos Mendoza’s Blueprint for 2025 First-year manager Carlos Mendoza, fresh off guiding the Mets to an NLCS appearance in 2024, has clear goals for this season: Cultivate Accountability: “No one’s above the team,” Mendoza emphasized. He’s tasked Soto with mentoring young stars like Luisangel Acuña while ensuring veterans like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso uphold a culture of daily preparation . Maximize Flexibility: With injuries plaguing the pitching staff, Mendoza has leaned on platoons and bullpen creativity. Lefty A.J. Minter and converted starter Tylor Megill have thrived in hybrid roles, keeping the Mets competitive in tight games . Win the East: The Mets’ 3-3 start masks their potential. “We’re built to outlast Atlanta and Philly,” Mendoza said, pointing to Soto’s offensive gravity and a defense upgraded by Gold Glove candidate Brandon Nimmo . The Road Ahead At 3-3, the Mets are a work in progress, but the pieces are in place. Soto’s quest to become “the best hitter of all time” aligns with Cohen’s championship ambitions, while Holmes and Mendoza provide the glue. As the Bronx mourns Soto’s departure, Queens is buzzing with a belief not felt since 1986. The message is clear: The Mets are no longer New York’s second team 212. “This is just the beginning,” Soto said with a grin. “Wait till October.”