The New York Mets commenced their 2025 season with a 3-1 defeat against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 27. Astros’ ace Framber Valdez delivered an exceptional performance, pitching seven shutout innings and allowing only four hits and two walks while striking out four. This marked Valdez’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start, setting a franchise record for left-handed pitchers.
The Mets’ starting pitcher, Clay Holmes, struggled in his debut, surrendering three runs (two earned) on five hits, four walks, and a hit batter over 4 2/3 innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted Holmes’ difficulty in locating his sinker, which contributed to his control issues.
Offensively, the Mets faced challenges capitalizing on scoring opportunities. In the eighth inning, they loaded the bases after three consecutive walks but failed to score. In the ninth, with runners on the corners and two outs, newly acquired star Juan Soto struck out against Astros closer Josh Hader, ending the game. Soto acknowledged he was expecting a fastball but was caught off guard by a slider, leading to the strikeout.
Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways for the Mets. Soto reached base three times, going 1-for-3 with two walks, indicating his potential impact on the lineup. Additionally, the bullpen held the Astros scoreless after Holmes’ exit, keeping the game within reach.
The Mets will look to rebound in the second game of the series against the Astros, aiming to even their record early in the season.
The New York Mets commenced their 2025 season with a 3-1 defeat against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 27. Astros’ ace Framber Valdez delivered an exceptional performance, pitching seven shutout innings and allowing only four hits and two walks while striking out four. This marked Valdez’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start, setting a franchise record for left-handed pitchers.
The Mets’ starting pitcher, Clay Holmes, struggled in his debut, surrendering three runs (two earned) on five hits, four walks, and a hit batter over 4 2/3 innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted Holmes’ difficulty in locating his sinker, which contributed to his control issues.
Offensively, the Mets faced challenges capitalizing on scoring opportunities. In the eighth inning, they loaded the bases after three consecutive walks but failed to score. In the ninth, with runners on the corners and two outs, newly acquired star Juan Soto struck out against Astros closer Josh Hader, ending the game. Soto acknowledged he was expecting a fastball but was caught off guard by a slider, leading to the strikeout.
Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways for the Mets. Soto reached base three times, going 1-for-3 with two walks, indicating his potential impact on the lineup. Additionally, the bullpen held the Astros scoreless after Holmes’ exit, keeping the game within reach.
The Mets will look to rebound in the second game of the series against the Astros, aiming to even their record early in the season.
The New York Mets commenced their 2025 season with a 3-1 defeat against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on March 27. Astros’ ace Framber Valdez delivered an exceptional performance, pitching seven shutout innings and allowing only four hits and two walks while striking out four. This marked Valdez’s fourth consecutive Opening Day start, setting a franchise record for left-handed pitchers.
The Mets’ starting pitcher, Clay Holmes, struggled in his debut, surrendering three runs (two earned) on five hits, four walks, and a hit batter over 4 2/3 innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza noted Holmes’ difficulty in locating his sinker, which contributed to his control issues.
Offensively, the Mets faced challenges capitalizing on scoring opportunities. In the eighth inning, they loaded the bases after three consecutive walks but failed to score. In the ninth, with runners on the corners and two outs, newly acquired star Juan Soto struck out against Astros closer Josh Hader, ending the game. Soto acknowledged he was expecting a fastball but was caught off guard by a slider, leading to the strikeout.
Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways for the Mets. Soto reached base three times, going 1-for-3 with two walks, indicating his potential impact on the lineup. Additionally, the bullpen held the Astros scoreless after Holmes’ exit, keeping the game within reach.
The Mets will look to rebound in the second game of the series against the Astros, aiming to even their record early in the season.
