Rookie Nick Morabito's clutch hitting and defensive play fueled the New York Mets' 10-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, securing the series win for the Mets. Morabito, who entered the game as a pinch runner, delivered a crucial three-run double in the seventh inning that extended the Mets' lead.
Morabito's double came in his 13th major league at-bat, marking his first hit and a significant moment for the team. He later added a single in the ninth inning and made a diving catch in left field to end the eighth inning. This performance capped a strong offensive showing for the Mets, who had at least one hit from every starter except Luis Torrens.
The Mets' win against the Rays, who held a 4 ½-game lead on the New York Yankees for the American League East title, provided a late-season morale boost. The Mets had previously lost three consecutive series, all against division leaders.
Justin Hagenman made his season debut for the Mets, pitching three innings and allowing one earned run on two hits and a walk. Hagenman, who had been rehabbing from a rib fracture, was on a limited pitch count.
The Mets established an early lead with a two-run single from Jared Young in the first inning, followed by an RBI double from Marcus Semien. In the third inning, Brett Baty hit a bases-loaded double that drove in three runs. Jonathan Aranda put the Rays on the board with an RBI single in the bottom of the third.
Chris Devenski struggled for the Rays, allowing three earned runs on four hits in the fourth inning before being removed after recording only two outs. Cedric Mullins contributed an RBI single, and Richie Palacios added a two-run homer for the Rays in that inning.
Juan Soto hit a home run in the eighth inning, his second since rejoining the team and 23rd of the season. The Mets will face the Rays again next weekend at Yankee Stadium.