Mets' Bullpen Shines in Series-Opening Win Over Cardinals

Clay Holmes settles in after early struggles, Mets' relievers close the door

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:03am

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The New York Mets' pitching staff delivered another strong performance, led by starter Clay Holmes and a dominant bullpen effort, to secure a series-opening win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Holmes battled through early traffic but settled in, while the Mets' relievers, including Tobias Myers, Brooks Raley, and Devin Williams, shut down the Cardinals' offense to preserve the victory.

Why it matters

The Mets' pitching staff has been a key factor in the team's early-season success, with the bullpen playing a crucial role in keeping the team in games. This win over the Cardinals, a potential playoff contender, demonstrates the Mets' ability to win close games and sets the tone for the rest of the series.

The details

Clay Holmes struggled with his command early, needing 80 pitches to get through 5.2 innings. However, he was able to limit the damage to just two runs, including a solo home run to Nolan Gorman. Tobias Myers, Brooks Raley, and Devin Williams then combined for 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, with Williams earning the save by retiring the side in order in the ninth.

  • Clay Holmes pitched 5.2 innings on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Tobias Myers pitched 1.2 perfect innings on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Brooks Raley worked around a single in the eighth inning on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Devin Williams recorded the save by retiring the side in order in the ninth inning on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Clay Holmes

The Mets' starting pitcher, who allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and five strikeouts over 5.2 innings.

Tobias Myers

A Mets relief pitcher who struck out two of the four batters he faced in 1.2 perfect innings.

Brooks Raley

A Mets relief pitcher who worked around a single in the eighth inning.

Devin Williams

The Mets' closer who recorded the save by retiring the side in order in the ninth inning, striking out one batter.

Nolan Gorman

The Cardinals' hitter who hit a solo home run off Clay Holmes in the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“First three innings a lot of pitches, but then he attacked. Fourth, fifth, and then the sixth inning he was pretty efficient -- overall I thought he mixed his pitch well and got a lot better as the game progressed.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach

“He's huge. He's a guy with that versatility and has the ability to get both lefties and righties out, he can give you multiple innings or just one inning if we need -- he's a pretty important role for us, and did it again today.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach

“He didn't mess around. He was really good.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Coach

What’s next

The Mets and Cardinals will continue their series on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Mets' pitching staff, particularly their bullpen, has been a strength early in the season, helping the team secure important wins over potential playoff contenders like the Cardinals. This performance demonstrates the team's ability to win close games and sets them up well for the rest of the series.