The New York Mets held off a late rally from the Athletics to secure a 7-6 victory on Friday night in Sacramento, thanks in large part to Pete Alonso’s clutch eighth-inning homer.
New York (9-4) jumped ahead early, starting with Brandon Nimmo’s solo shot in the second. Luisangel Acuña and Luis Torrens followed with back-to-back doubles, and Alonso added an RBI double in the fifth to extend the lead. He later hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth before Starling Marte’s two-run double gave the Mets a 6-1 cushion.
Griffin Canning cruised through five innings but ran into trouble in the sixth. A’s catcher Shea Langeliers doubled to start the frame, and Miguel Andujar later launched a two-run homer to cut the Mets’ lead to two. Canning exited after 5.1 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.
Oakland continued pressing, but New York’s bullpen kept things in check. Ryne Stanek and A.J. Minter each tossed clean innings before Edwin Díaz closed it out, despite giving up two runs in the ninth. Alonso’s solo blast, his fourth of the year, ultimately stood as the difference.
Acuña had a strong game, going 2-for-4 with a walk and stolen base.
The series continues Saturday at 4:05 p.m. with David Peterson set to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].