NEW YORK — In a commanding performance, up-and-coming hurler Shane Baz led the Tampa Bay Rays to a decisive 9-0 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday, finalizing Tampa Bay’s first three-game series sweep of the Mets this season.
Baz (6-3) delivered an impressive outing, surrendering merely three hits and four walks over 6 2/3 innings, while striking out six batters and throwing a career-high 106 pitches. He expertly maintained control in challenging situations, holding the Mets hitless in 12 plate appearances with runners on base.
Jonathan Aranda’s critical two-run double in the fifth inning against pitcher Max Kranick widened the gap, enabling the Rays to outdistance the Mets with a series score margin of 24-9. Throughout the series, New York’s pitchers struggled with control, allowing a season-high nine walks in their most lopsided defeat of the year. This defeat marks the first time the Mets have been swept in a series since last August in Seattle. Tampa Bay demonstrated formidable offensive prowess, managing 28 hits and 15 walks while being retired in sequence just four times.
The Rays’ offensive prowess continued with Kameron Misner, Danny Jansen, and Jake Mangum each contributing RBIs, before Junior Caminero sealed the game with a spectacular three-run homer in the ninth inning off Ryne Stanek.
Unfortunately for the Mets, pitcher Griffin Canning (6-3) struggled, allowing six runs, four hits, and a season-high five walks in just 4 1/3 innings. Canning’s recent form has been a concern, with a ballooning 6.75 ERA over his last five starts, a stark contrast to his promising 2.47 ERA in his first nine outings.
A defining moment occurred when Baz struck out Pete Alonso to escape a bases-loaded jam in the third inning, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Of note, this was the 23rd series of the season for New York, marking its latest point in the season going without being swept since 2006.
Looking ahead, the Mets will start a new series with left-hander David Peterson (5-2, 2.49 ERA) taking the mound on Tuesday as they begin a six-game road trip facing off against the Atlanta Braves, who will counter with right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (5-4, 3.11 ERA), both coming off complete game performances. Meanwhile, the Rays return home as right-hander Ryan Pepiot (3-6, 3.31 ERA) is set to take on the Baltimore Orioles in a four-game series starting Monday.