Holmes, Reetz Power Mets Past Nationals

The New York Mets got another look at pitcher Clay Holmes as he took the mound against the Washington Nationals on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie. The game unfolded in two distinct halves for New York; an impressive start followed by a shaky finish. Despite building a commanding 6-0 lead, the Mets’ bullpen faltered, allowing Washington to rally and tie the game at six. However, New York managed to recover late and nab the win, 7-6.

Holmes delivered another stellar performance, tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out eight, allowing just one hit and three walks. His remarkable spring continued, bringing his total to 9 2/3 innings pitched with no earned runs, two hits, and 13 strikeouts. Edwin Díaz also took the mound, escaping a jam by striking out three straight after issuing two walks. Dakota Hawkins, Grant Hartwig, Connor Overton, and Rico Garcia all contributed scoreless outings, but Genesis Cabrera and Daniel Juarez struggled.

Cabrera surrendered five runs on four hits and a walk in just 1/3 of an inning. Juarez finished the frame, recording the final two outs but conceding one run on one hit and a walk.

There was promising news beyond Holmes’ performance, as Kodai Senga threw 50 pitches in a backfield session. Mets assistant pitching coach Desi Druschel highlighted Senga’s two sinkers as particularly impressive, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic.

Offensively, the Mets started strong, overwhelming Nationals starter Jake Irvin. Mark Vientos opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the first inning. Pete Alonso followed with a single, Jeff McNeil doubled, and Luis De Los Santos walked, setting the stage for Jakson Reetz, who crushed a grand slam off Irvin to extend the lead to 6-0.

Reetz, a catcher, delivered in a big moment following the news that Francisco Alvarez would be sidelined  six-to-eight weeks due to a hamate bone injury. The Mets’ bats went quiet until the eighth, when Travis Swaggerty tripled to left after a misplay by Nationals outfielder Darren Baker. Luis De Los Santos then drove in Swaggerty to put the Mets back on top for good.

Player of The Game: Clay Holmes

Clay Holmes delivered another stellar performance today, going 3 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out eight, allowing just one hit and three walks. His strong spring has his total numbers equal out to 9 2/3 innings pitched with no earned runs, two hits, and 13 strikeouts.

He’ll be needed desperately given injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas.

On Deck

The Mets are right back at it Monday, as they welcome the St. Louis Cardinals to Clover Park. Griffin Canning is projected to get another audition for the Mets on the mound, and Sonny Gray should toe the slab for St. Louis. First pitch is at 6:10 pm ET and will be broadcast locally on SNY and MLB Network nationally.

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