On the day the New York Mets’ paid tribute to Dwight Gooden, pitching dominated the scene at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon, with Jose Buttó and Cole Ragans engaged in a fierce duel. When it was all said and done, the Mets (7-8) secured their third series victory of the season by defeating the Kansas City Royals (10-6), 2-1. The Mets have won seven out of their last ten games after starting the season 0-5 and currently sit one game under .500.
Jose Buttó showcased his prowess on the mound, pitching six strong innings with 91 pitches and nine strikeouts, largely relying on his effective changeup. Supported by Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, and Edwin Díaz, the Mets’ bullpen limited the Royals to just three hits and kept them scoreless with runners in scoring position. Although Vinnie Pasquantino homered for Kansas City in the ninth inning, it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome. Diaz’s save would be his first home save of the season, and his first save at Citi Field since 2022.
Jose Buttó. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
On the offensive side, Cole Ragans and the Royals bullpen contained the Mets for most of the game. In the fourth inning, Starling Marte tried to score on a fly ball, but left fielder MJ Melendez threw him out at the plate. Catcher Salvador Perez was injured in a collision with Marte and was forced to leave the game.
Despite a promising opportunity in the seventh inning, the Mets couldn’t capitalize. Singles by pinch hitter Brett Baty and lead-off hitter Brandon Nimmo in the seventh inning as well as a walk to Marte loaded the bases for Francisco Lindor, who had not driven in a runner in scoring position yet this season. That trend continued as he fouled out to Royals first baseman Pasquantino near the Mets dugout, keeping the game tied at zero.
However, they broke through in the eighth inning against Royals reliever Chris Stratton. Pete Alonso‘s lead-off walk led to him being moved over with a bunt by Tyrone Taylor. This bunt set the stage for Jeff McNeil and Brett Baty to load the bases with two outs.
Harrison Bader then delivered a crucial infield hit, driving in the Mets’ first run with a well-placed swinging bunt to third base, followed by Brandon Nimmo drawing a bases-loaded walk for the second run. Before this, the Mets had struggled with runners in scoring position until that pivotal moment in the eighth inning.
Statistic of the Game: 14 Strikeouts
The Mets pitching staff of Jose Buttó, Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, and Edwin Díaz combined for a total of 14 strikeouts against the Royals on Dwight Gooden day, echoing performances Doc had on the mound during his time as a Met.
Player of the Game: Jose Buttó
In his second start of the season, Jose Buttó shined on the mound as he pitched six strong innings, striking out nine through 91 pitches. A fitting performance on the day the Mets honored Dwight Gooden.
On Deck
Adrian Houser (0-1, 5.40 ERA) will look to rebound at home tomorrow night, as the Mets welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates and Martin Perez (1-0, 1.89 ERA) to Citi Field for a three-game series. First pitch is at 7:10 pm and the game will be broadcast on SNY and WCBS-AM 880.
