Soto Strikes Out in the Clutch as Astros Spoil Mets Debut

Juan Soto had a golden opportunity to make an instant impact in his Mets debut, stepping to the plate with two runners on, in the bottom of the ninth. Unfortunately for the Mets, Astros closer Josh Hader had other plans, striking out Soto to seal Houston’s 3-1 victory.

The Mets made headlines in free agency, pulling off a blockbuster move by landing Soto, swiping him from their crosstown rivals, the Yankees. Batting second in his debut, Soto went 1-for-3.

Another former Yankee made his Mets debut — Clay Holmes — who took the mound as the team’s Opening Day starter. A former reliever who lost his closer role in the Bronx, Holmes transitioned to a starting role upon signing with the Mets. His first outing had mixed results, as he lasted 4.2 innings and surrendered all three of Houston’s runs.

On the other side, Framber Valdez was dominant for the Astros. The lefty silenced the Mets’ bats, tossing seven scoreless innings while allowing just four hits.

Houston turned to Hader to close it out in the ninth, but trouble brewed quickly. He allowed back-to-back singles and walked Luisangel Acuña, loading the bases. After a strikeout, he faced Francisco Lindor, who lifted a sacrifice fly to get the Mets on the board. That left the game in Soto’s hands. Ahead in the count 3-0, it seemed the stage was set for heroics, but Hader battled back, striking out Soto and slamming the door on the Mets’ comeback bid.