Clay Holmes keeps Mets' string of strong starts going in win over Cardinals

The Mets right-hander allowed two earned runs over 5.2 innings as New York defeated St. Louis 4-2.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:49am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a baseball game between the Mets and Cardinals, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The Mets' strong start to the season has been fueled by their starting rotation, with Clay Holmes' latest outing continuing that trend.St. Louis Today

Clay Holmes delivered an acceptable start for the Mets, allowing two earned runs on four hits with five strikeouts and three walks over 5.2 innings as New York defeated the Cardinals 4-2. The Mets received solid performances from their starters for the third straight game, with David Peterson and Nolan McLean also turning in strong outings in the team's previous two games.

Why it matters

The Mets' starting rotation has been a key strength early in the season, providing quality innings and keeping the team in games. Holmes' outing continued that trend, as the Mets look to build on their 3-1 start to the year.

The details

Holmes was on the verge of completing six innings before Nolan Gorman hit a two-run homer to end his night. Even so, the right-hander kept the Mets in the game, allowing just two earned runs. The Mets' offense scratched across four runs, getting RBIs from Bo Bichette, Jared Young, and a bases-loaded walk from Juan Soto. Tobias Myers, Brooks Raley, and Devin Williams combined for 3.1 scoreless innings of relief.

  • Holmes made his initial start of the 2026 season on March 30.
  • The Mets (3-1) have received solid starts in their first four games of the season.

The players

Clay Holmes

The Mets right-hander who allowed two earned runs over 5.2 innings in the win over the Cardinals.

Nolan Gorman

The Cardinals' third baseman who hit a two-run homer off Holmes in the sixth inning.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager who removed Holmes from the game after the Gorman home run.

Freddy Peralta

The Mets' starting pitcher scheduled to take the mound on Wednesday, looking to bounce back from an underwhelming Opening Day start.

Kodai Senga

The Mets' Japanese right-hander scheduled to make his first start of the season on Tuesday, as he looks to rebound from a poor second half in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“An additional out would have been nice, but even so, the Mets received an acceptable performance from a starter for a third straight game.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will look to continue their strong start to the season as they turn to Kodai Senga on Tuesday and Freddy Peralta on Wednesday.

The takeaway

The Mets' starting rotation has been a bright spot early in the season, providing quality innings and keeping the team in games. Holmes' outing continued that trend, as the Mets look to build on their 3-1 start to the year.