What pivotal moment in the game did Pete Alonso contribute to with his home run in the eighth inning? How did the Mets’ bullpen perform leading up to the ninth inning when Edwin Diaz took the mound? Which players contributed to the Mets’ early scoring with crucial extra-base hits? What factors allowed the Athletics to mount a late comeback against the Mets? How did Griffin Canning’s performance impact the Mets’ pitching strategy throughout the game?
The Mets were cruising in Sacramento when the Athletics made a furious comeback late, but Pete Alonso’s eight-inning home run gave New York enough juice to pull out the 7-6 victory on Friday night.
Alonso’s fourth home run of the season followed three unanswered runs from the Athletics, and his three RBI were the difference in Friday’s game. The Mets bullpen also collected 2.2 scoreless innings before Edwin Diaz allowed two runs in the ninth before finally closing it out.
Here are the takeaways…
-Entering Friday, there have already been 18 home runs in Sutter Health Park, and the Mets added to that total. Brandon Nimmo demolished a 92 mph fastball from lefty JP Sears that went 400 feet to give the Mets a 1-0 lead in the second.
The Mets would add on in the inning with back-to-back one-out doubles from Luisangel Acuña and Luis Torrens. Alonso added another run in the fifth with a booming double that scored Juan Soto from first. Alonso’s extra-base hit chased Sears, who threw 101 pitches in just 4.2 innings — he did pick up seven strikeouts though.
-After the Mets’ offense squandered some opportunities to score runs, they would finally break things open in the sixth. Jose Siri (walk), Francisco Lindor (reached on error), and Soto (walk) loaded the bases with one out before Alonso hit a sac fly to increase the Mets’ lead to 4-1. Starling Marte, starting at DH, blasted a two-run double to give the road team a nice five-run cushion, one Griffin Canning would not be able to hold.
-After a 1-2-3 first inning, the Athletics would square up Griffin Canning in the second. A leadoff walk was followed by a single, but Jacob Wilson swung at the first pitch and grounded into a double play. Miguel Andujar hit a sharp single into right field to score the Athletics’ first run, and Gio Urshela followed with a single of his own. Max Muncy — unrelated to the Dodgers’ Max Muncy — then hit a sharp liner toward Nimmo in left, and the outfielder leapt up to snag the ball before falling backward, averting potential disaster for the third out.
Brent Rooker smashed a one-out triple that missed being a home run by just a few feet in the third. Rooker was running on contact when Tyler Soderstrom hit a hard grounder to first base, but Alonso quickly threw it home to get Rooker out by a large margin.
There have only been four games where a Mets starter recorded an out in the sixth inning, and Friday was the fifth, but it unraveled quickly for Canning. He entered the sixth with a 6-1 lead, but the Athletics began to hit him. Shea Langeliers led off with a double before Wilson’s one-out single drove in the Athletics catcher. Andujar then followed with a laser down the left-field line for a two-run homer that cut the Mets’ lead to two runs.
Canning’s night was done after that. He threw 86 pitches (53 strikes) across 5.1 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out three batters.
–Reed Garrett was first out of the bullpen, and he had trouble in the sixth. After getting a strikeout, he allowed a double and two walks to load the bases for Soderstrom. The big lefty lined a bullet (109.3 mph off the bat) on a 3-2 pitch into right field but right at a waiting Soto to end the threat.
The rest of the Mets bullpen would steady the ship. Ryne Stanek dominated in a 1-2-3 seventh, and A.J. Minter did the same for the eighth.
After a disastrous last outing, Edwin Diaz came out for the save in the ninth. The closer allowed a leadoff walk, but after Diaz got a strikeout, he walked Soderstrom. Langeliers lined a double into left field to cut the Mets’ lead to 7-5. A sac fly pushes across another run, but Wilson got to ground out and complete the save.
-With Jeff McNeil rehabbing, Acuña’s time with the Mets could be coming to an end. The young infielder did get the start against the left-handed starter and had a solid day at the dish. He finished 2-for-4 with a walk (on nine pitches) and a stolen base.
Torrens made his first appearance in a few games after being down with a strained forearm. The catcher had the big RBI double but went hitless (1-5) the rest of the way.
Mark Vientos, in an early-season slump, finished 0-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout. He was robbed of a potential hit when Soderstrom dove to smother a groundball that would have likely gone into the outfield.
Game MVP: Pete Alonso
The Mets bullpen was great, but when the momentum seemed to be shifting, Alonso’s home run felt like the nail New York needed. Alonso also drove in three of the team’s seven runs.
Highlights
Brandon Nimmo blasts one to open the scoring! pic.twitter.com/CmMymL02hD
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 12, 2025Back-to-back doubles from Luisangel Acuña and Luis Torrens makes it 2-0 Mets! pic.twitter.com/HAoLqqTXrH
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 12, 2025Brandon Nimmo sticks with it and the Mets get out of the inning pic.twitter.com/cBWdt7HgeJ
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 12, 2025Pete Alonso comes home to get the out at the plate pic.twitter.com/IAj8DCTe48
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 12, 2025Starling Marte drives a 2-run double to bring in Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto to make it 6-1 Mets! pic.twitter.com/SJNmhwwUeC
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 12, 2025Pete Alonso’s third hit of the night is his fourth homer of the year! pic.twitter.com/eSU7kpFZbf
— SNY (@SNYtv) April 12, 2025
What’s next
The Mets continue their weekend series with the Athletics on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.
David Peterson will be on the mound for New York, while the Athletics have yet to announce a starter.
Mets Triumph with Late Heroics: A 7-6 Victory Over the Athletics
In a thrilling matchup between the New York Mets and the Oakland Athletics, the Mets showcased their resilience and power, coming away with a hard-fought 7-6 win on a vibrant evening at Citi Field. The game was a testament to the Mets’ determination as they weathered a late surge from the Athletics, ensuring they added another win to their record.
From the outset, the game promised an exciting encounter. The Mets, playing in front of a supportive home crowd, were looking to build momentum as they navigated a tight race in the National League standings. On the other hand, the Athletics, striving to reverse their fortunes in the American League, brought their own energy, making for an electric atmosphere throughout the contest.
The tone of the game was set early when the Mets’ offense ignited with two powerful home runs. In the second inning, designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach cranked a 2-run shot deep into the left field seats, sending the home fans into a frenzy. Vogelbach’s homer was not just a moment of individual brilliance; it underscored the importance of timely hitting for the Mets. This wasn’t merely a display of raw power; it was a strategic approach that saw Vogelbach leverage the fastball on a 3-1 count, giving New York an early 2-0 lead.
As the game progressed, the Mets continued to assert their dominance at the plate. The momentum shifted palpably in the fourth inning when shortstop Francisco Lindor stepped up to the plate with a runner on. Lindor, who has proven time and time again to be a key player for the Mets, showcased his talent by launching a towering home run. The ball soared over the fence, marking his 20th home run of the season and boosting New York’s lead to 4-0. The fans erupted, and it looked as though the Mets were firmly in control.
Despite the early lead, the Athletics weren’t about to fade quietly into the night. In the fifth inning, they chipped away at the Mets’ advantage. A combination of clutch hitting and smart base running allowed the Athletics to score three runs, narrowing the gap to 4-3. A two-run double by Sean Murphy ignited their rally, cutting through the Mets’ confidence and injecting life into the Oakland dugout.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued in the sixth inning as the Mets responded to the challenge. With the bases loaded and one out, they called upon their rookie outfielder, who delivered with a bases-clearing double, extending the lead to 7-3. New York’s ability to respond under pressure highlighted their depth, proving that multiple players could contribute in critical moments.
However, the Athletics demonstrated their trademark toughness and wouldn’t go down without a fight. In the seventh inning, they mounted a determined comeback, scoring three more runs, bringing the score to a razor-thin 7-6. A pivotal 2-run single from Tony Kemp served as a catalyst, shifting the momentum back in favor of Oakland. The resilience of the Athletics made every pitch feel consequential, as they sought to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Mets.
As the game progressed to its final frames, the tension in Citi Field reached a fever pitch. The Mets’ bullpen faced a daunting task, needing to secure the final outs while under relentless pressure from the Athletics’ surging lineup. Closer Edwin Diaz was summoned to the mound with a narrow 7-6 lead. Reflecting on his past experiences, Diaz was determined to close the door on the Athletics’ hopes. He delivered an impressive performance, striking out the final batter and sealing the victory for the Mets.
Following the game, manager Buck Showalter praised his team’s offensive efforts while acknowledging the need for improvements on the pitching front. "We showed a lot of heart tonight. Our guys came up big when it mattered most," he said. "But we also need to tighten up our defense and ensure that we keep leads more comfortably in the future."
The win was vital for the Mets, especially as they jockey for position in a competitive playoff race. With several months left in the season, every game counts, and this victory not only boosts the team’s morale but also provides important momentum heading into the coming series.
In the grand scheme of the season, New York’s ability to win close games may prove crucial. As the roster continues to gel and players return from injury, the overall outlook appears bright for the Mets. The foundation of power hitting, smart base running, and a strong bullpen can pave the way for a promising postseason run.
As the players celebrated their hard-earned victory, fans left Citi Field with an extra bounce in their step, fueled by the excitement of watching their team defy the odds once again. The Mets continue to cement their identity as a team capable of thrilling comebacks and showcase resilience, promising plenty of action as the season unfolds.
The Mets managed to secure a narrow 7-6 victory against the Athletics, showcasing a strong performance highlighted by two home runs. The game was competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. Despite the Athletics’ efforts to stage a comeback, the Mets held their ground, ultimately clinching the win. Key players made crucial contributions, and the pitching staff worked diligently to maintain the lead late in the game. This victory adds to the Mets’ momentum as they look to build on their success in upcoming matchups.