The New York Mets (62-76) opened their three-game series against the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays (82-55) with a much-needed 3-2 victory Monday night, getting a standout performance from an unlikely source.
Robert Stock turned in the best start of his career, holding Tampa Bay scoreless into the sixth inning to earn his first Major League victory since 2019 and his first career win as a starting pitcher.
The 36-year-old right-hander allowed three hits and did not give up a run over 5.1 innings, bouncing back after surrendering seven earned runs in his previous start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Stock had never pitched beyond the fifth inning as a starter before Monday and exited after throwing 72 pitches, 50 of them for strikes.
Stock faced his biggest test in the fifth inning after Tampa Bay loaded the bases with no outs. Despite a pair of defensive miscues behind him, he responded with a popout and a strikeout before Jonathan Aranda lined a ball toward left field. Christopher Morel made a leaping catch to end the threat and preserve New York’s lead.
The Mets finally created some separation in the seventh. Mark Vientos, playing in his first game since returning from the injured list, opened the inning with a solo home run for a 2-0 advantage. It was his 12th homer of the season and came after he hit three home runs in his final rehabilitation game with Triple-A Syracuse.
Francisco Alvarez added an RBI single later in the inning to make it 3-0, but Daniel Duarte surrendered both runs in the eighth.
That set up Kodai Senga for a save opportunity in the ninth. The right-hander worked around a walk and secured his fifth save in five chances.
Every Mets starter except Francisco Lindor recorded at least one hit, while A.J. Ewing collected two.
The Mets continue the series Tuesday at 6:40 p.m., with Sean Manaea scheduled to face former Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.