Freddy Peralta Struggles in Mets’ Season Opener
Freddy Peralta had a less-than-stellar debut for the Mets, managing to avoid a walk but allowing two home runs during the game. It wasn’t quite the standout performance everyone hoped for.
Brandon Lowe connected for two home runs off Peralta, which really put a damper on things.
In five innings, Peralta gave up four earned runs on six hits, striking out seven but walking none. Ultimately, he threw 80 pitches in the Mets’ 11-7 victory over the Pirates.
“I wouldn’t say the first pitch was a mistake, but that’s how baseball goes,” Peralta reflected on the first home run. It sailed over right field, just barely out of Carson Benge’s reach. “The second one, though—yeah, that was definitely a mistake,” he admitted.
Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, commented on how relaxed Peralta seemed as he took to the mound for the season opener. “The smile on his face when he walked out of the bullpen before heading to the field—that’s what caught my attention. It’s Opening Day, and he’s smiling. You can see he enjoys it,” Mendoza noted.
Peralta also acknowledged the strong performance of the Mets’ batting lineup, as they managed to score five runs in the first inning. This barrage included Lowe’s first home run, which immediately put the Mets in a 2-0 hole against pitcher Paul Skeens, who was ejected after just 37 pitches.
“Before today’s game, I had to tell them, ‘We need you guys to score,'” Peralta remarked, reflecting on the team’s approach at the plate.
In other news, veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman is expected to be sidelined for about six weeks following surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee. He was poised to take a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster until he experienced discomfort in a spring training game.
To fill his absence, the Mets have added Jared Young as a backup outfielder.
Interestingly, the Mets’ five runs in the first inning marked a franchise record for an Opening Day game. Additionally, with ten at-bats in that inning, they achieved the most since the fifth inning against the Cardinals in 2018.
