CLEVELAND — The New York Mets showcased a refreshed roster Tuesday night at Progressive Field, securing a 6-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians in the wake of a series of recent trades executed by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
The Mets introduced several new faces to their lineup, including rookie left-handed reliever Nate Lavender, who made a strong major league debut. Lavender pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out the tying run to end the seventh inning. The 26-year-old, drafted by the Mets in 2021, was previously selected in the Rule 5 draft, underwent Tommy John surgery with the Tampa Bay Rays, and then returned to New York. Interim manager Andy Green praised Lavender for delivering a key out against a formidable batter, calling it a potential spark for the team’s energy moving forward.
Alongside Lavender, other new contributors included outfielders Jefry Yan and Chayse McDermott, as well as relievers Dedniel Núñez and Cristian Pache. Kodai Senga, another bullpen addition, pitched a scoreless ninth inning after a recent transition from long relief duties.
Sean Manaea started for the Mets and worked six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out seven. Manaea, making his third consecutive quality start, acknowledged the challenge presented by the Guardians’ lineup but expressed satisfaction with navigating the game.
Offensively, the Mets were led by three home runs. Luis Torrens initiated scoring with a three-run homer in the second inning, his third of the season, helping the Mets build early momentum. Torrens’ increased role as catcher has shifted starting responsibilities for Francisco Alvarez, who began the game as designated hitter. Bo Bichette extended the lead with a solo shot on the first pitch of the third inning, marking his 11th home run this season.
Despite an RBI double by Cleveland’s Angel Martinez in the third, the Mets responded in the fourth inning when Torrens delivered an RBI single to bring the score to 5-1. The Guardians chipped away with an RBI single from Travis Bazzana in the fifth.
Carson Benge provided a late flourish with a 451-foot homer to center field in the eighth inning, his 12th of the year, extending the Mets’ lead to 6-2. Bench coach Kai Correa, formerly with the Guardians, initially questioned whether Benge’s hit would clear the fence, but manager Green welcomed the rare moment of being proven wrong.
The victory ended New York’s three-game losing streak and highlighted the positive contributions from newly acquired players as the Mets continue to navigate the post-trade deadline phase of the season.