Freddy Peralta guts out 6 innings in best start yet with Mets

The veteran right-hander toughed out a season-high six innings against the Athletics on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors capturing the raw energy and motion of a baseball pitcher on the mound, with their face and uniform details dissolving into abstract brushstrokes.Freddy Peralta's gutsy six-inning performance against the Athletics showcases the veteran pitcher's determination to provide the Mets with the quality starts the team needs.NYC Today

Freddy Peralta, the veteran right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, delivered his best start yet with the team, gutting out six innings against the Oakland Athletics at Citi Field on Sunday. Despite dealing with a high pitch count and some stressful innings, Peralta allowed just one run on four hits with six strikeouts and three walks.

Why it matters

Peralta's ability to provide length and quality starts has been a concern for the Mets since he joined the team in the offseason. This outing represents a positive step forward as the Mets look to solidify their starting rotation and make a push in the NL East.

The details

Peralta's lone blemish came on a solo home run by Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz in the third inning. He constantly labored, running up six three-ball counts, including a particularly stressful second inning. Peralta ran into trouble in the fourth but was able to gut out the next two innings, needing just 27 pitches total in the fifth and sixth.

  • Peralta's previous start was on Tuesday, April 8, 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he lasted only 4.2 innings.
  • Peralta's start on Sunday, April 12, 2026 against the Athletics was his fourth start with the Mets.

The players

Freddy Peralta

A veteran right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, who has been trying to provide length and quality starts for the team since joining in the offseason.

Nick Kurtz

A young slugger for the Oakland Athletics who hit a solo home run off Peralta in the third inning.

Max Muncy

An Athletics player who drew a walk against Peralta in the fourth inning.

Darell Hernaiz

An Athletics player who drew a walk against Peralta in the second inning.

Denzel Clarke

An Athletics player who struck out looking against Peralta in the second inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Peralta's ability to gut out six innings against the Athletics, despite a high pitch count and some stressful moments, represents a positive step forward for the Mets as they look to solidify their starting rotation and make a push in the NL East.