The New York Mets delivered a powerful performance on September 2, 2026, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 9-3 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. This victory marked a significant moment for the Mets as they aimed to secure an away series win against a competitive Rays team. The game was particularly noteworthy for Justin Hagenman, who made his return to the major league roster after a lengthy absence due to a fractured rib.
The Mets wasted no time establishing their dominance, scoring early in the first inning. With runners on first and second and two outs, Jared Young hit a single to right field, bringing Bo Bichette home for the game's opening run. A missed throw at the plate allowed Carson Benge to score as well, and Marcus Semien followed up with a double that drove in Young, giving the Mets a quick 3-0 lead. Although A.J. Ewing grounded out to end the inning, the Mets had already set the tone for the night.
After a brief lull in scoring, the Mets ignited again in the third inning. Bichette led off with a single and stole second base after two outs. Semien walked, and Ewing's infield single loaded the bases. Brett Baty then stepped up and crushed a double off the left-field wall, scoring three runs and effectively ending Griffin Jax's night on the mound for the Rays. This offensive explosion not only extended the Mets' lead but also showcased their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Rays attempted to mount a comeback in the bottom of the third. After two outs, they managed to get a walk and a single, leading to Jonathan Aranda's RBI single that brought Taylor Walls home. Hagenman, who pitched three innings, concluded his outing having allowed one run on two hits while striking out two batters.
Chris Devenski took over for the Mets in the fourth inning but faced challenges. After a series of plays, including a balk that advanced Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins hit a single that drove in Simpson. A throwing error by Benge allowed Mullins to reach second base, and Richie Palacios then hit a two-run home run, narrowing the Mets' lead to just two runs. Devenski's rough outing ended with him allowing three runs in less than one inning of work.
Despite the Rays' efforts, the Mets' offense erupted once more in the seventh inning. Bichette led off with a double, followed by Benge's single, putting runners on the corners. Young's fielder's choice resulted in Bichette being thrown out at home, but Semien was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Nick Morabito, making his major league debut, came through with a double that drove in three runs, extending the Mets' lead to five runs.
Juan Soto added to the Mets' tally with a solo home run in the eighth inning, further solidifying their advantage. The Mets' bullpen, featuring Nate Lavender, Daniel Duarte, and Jonathan Pintaro, effectively shut down the Rays for the remainder of the game, securing the 9-3 victory. With this win, the Mets now prepare for a day off before heading back to New York to face the San Francisco Giants in their upcoming series, starting Friday night.
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