NEW YORK — The New York Mets triumphed over the Chicago Cubs with a decisive 7-2 win on Friday night as part of a three-game series. The Mets showcased a powerful performance at Citi Field, with Francisco Lindor leading the charge by hitting the first of four solo home runs.
Additionally, Brett Baty and Jeff McNeil contributed homers in the second inning, while Juan Soto added to the tally in the fourth. Soto didn’t stop there as he also delivered an RBI single in the eighth, boosting the Mets to an impressive 14-3 record at home.
Each Mets starter made an impact, with every player securing at least one hit. The team capitalized in the third inning, scoring twice following an overthrow by Dansby Swanson intended to double up Luisangel Acuña.
Pitcher Clay Holmes, enjoying the support of fans donned in his hockey jerseys, showcased a strong performance. He allowed only three hits through six innings, effectively reducing his ERA to 2.74 across eight starts. Holmes did concede a home run to Kyle Tucker in the fourth—his first of the season.
Nonetheless, Holmes has maintained an impressive streak reminiscent of Orel Hershiser, who didn’t surrender a home run in his first eight starts for the Mets back in 1999. Michael Busch managed to score another homer for the Cubs in the ninth inning.
Meanwhile, Jameson Taillon of the Cubs struggled, giving up six runs on nine hits across four innings. Notably, he allowed four home runs, a career-high for him, and the most by a Cubs pitcher since Jordan Wicks in September of the previous year.
In the key moments of the game, Lindor’s quick action set the tone, smashing a leadoff home run to bring his season total within three of Curtis Granderson’s franchise record for leadoff home runs. As the series continues, the Cubs are pinning their hopes on right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, who is set to make his major league debut against Mets’ right-hander Tylor Megill (3-2, 2.50 ERA) on Saturday night.