HOUSTON – In a tightly contested matchup at Daikin Park, the Houston Astros edged the New York Mets 3-1 behind strong pitching, timely hitting, and stellar defense. Closer Josh Hader sealed the victory with his 200th career save, while the Mets struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities throughout the game.

Game Recap:

The Mets had an early chance to strike in the first inning when Juan Soto singled in his first Mets at-bat and Pete Alonso drew a walk. However, Mark Vientos grounded out, stranding both runners in scoring position. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña made his presence felt immediately with a leaping catch to rob Francisco Lindor of a hit and later recorded the final out of the inning.

Mets starter Clay Holmes kept the Astros off balance early, striking out Jose Altuve in the bottom of the first. However, the Astros managed to push across the first run in the second inning. With the bases loaded after a hit-by-pitch, a single, and a walk, Jake Meyers grounded into a forceout that brought Jeremy Peña home, giving Houston a 1-0 lead.

Houston extended their advantage in the third inning. Yainer Diaz delivered an RBI single to score Isaac Paredes, and Christian Walker later came home on a throwing error by Luisangel Acuña, making it 3-0.

Despite multiple opportunities, the Mets were unable to capitalize on scoring chances. Luis Torrens doubled in the fifth but was thrown out at third base by catcher Yainer Diaz, halting a potential rally. In the eighth, they loaded the bases with two outs, but Astros reliever Bryan Abreu escaped the jam when Brandon Nimmo lined out to center field.

In the ninth, the Mets finally broke through against Josh Hader. Starling Marte and Tyrone Taylor singled to open the inning, and Luisangel Acuña walked to load the bases. However, the Mets’ rally fell short as Hayden Senger struck out, Lindor hit a sacrifice fly to score Marte, and Juan Soto struck out swinging to end the game.

Hader’s save not only secured the win but also marked a milestone as the 200th of his career.

Key Performances:

• Jeremy Peña (HOU): Solid all-around game with a run scored, strong defense, and key plays in the field.
• Yainer Diaz (HOU): 1-for-2, RBI single, and a crucial defensive assist.
• Josh Hader (HOU): Locked down his 200th career save, allowing one run but striking out Soto to end the game.
• Juan Soto (NYM): Reached base three times with a single and two walks.
• Francisco Lindor (NYM): Drove in the Mets’ only run with a sac fly.

Looking Ahead: The Mets will look to rebound in their next game, while the Astros aim to keep their momentum going as they continue their homestand. With a strong defensive showing and clutch pitching, Houston showed why they remain a formidable opponent in the early stages of the season.