Holmes and Baty Continue Hot Start; Mets Shut Out Astros

If Clay Holmes can pitch anything like this during the regular season, he may prove to be one of the most underrated pickups of the offseason.

Holmes threw another three scoreless innings as the New York Mets shut out the Houston Astros 5-0 on Thursday. The righty has now pitched six straight scoreless with five strikeouts as he makes the transition from long-time reliever to starter. Holmes also continued throwing on the backfield after the game.

“I thought he was good again, he attacked the zone, used all of his pitches,” Carlos Mendoza said after the game. “I thought his sinker was good, he threw a couple of four-seamers that were good. I thought overall, another good outing for him.”

Griffin Canning, TJ Shook, Max Kranick, Tyler Zuber, and Jordan Geber combined for six shutout innings of relief after Holmes departed. 

Ryan Clifford and Brett Baty supplied the offensive firepower, each hitting two-run homers in the sixth inning. Baty is now batting .545 with two homers in 11 at bats this spring in his quest to secure a roster spot. Clifford’s homer was hit 110.7 miles per hour, the hardest-hit ball in the game. Baty’s homer was struck 109 MPH.

Adding to the festivities, before the game, Juan Soto received the 2024 Juan Marichal award, which goes to the best Dominican MLB player each year. Soto caught the ceremonial first pitch from Marichal himself.

Player of the Game 

Clay Holmes is today’s player of the game, as he limited the Astros to just one hit and one walk in his three scoreless innings. 

On Deck

Brandon Sproat will make his first Grapefruit League start of the year Friday, facing off against the Nationals and left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara (1-0, 0.00 ERA). First pitch at Clover Park is scheduled for 1:10 PM, and the game will be televised on SNY.

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