Clay Holmes' clutch start gives Mets' playoff push a boost - ESPN

MIAMI — With the New York Mets facing potential elimination from postseason contention on Saturday, manager Carlos Mendoza was prepared to exhaust every available pitcher to keep their October hopes afloat going into Sunday's Game 162.

Clay Holmes ensured that was not necessary.

The veteran right-hander delivered the best start of his career to complete his first full regular season as a starter, holding the Miami Marlins to one hit over six scoreless innings in the Mets' 5-0 victory.

«That's the exact outing that we needed today,» said Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who went 2-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBIs. «And he really stepped up. That was a big-time outing for him. Just unbelievable. Picture-perfect outing for him.»

The Mets departed LoanDepot Park a half-game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the third and final National League wild-card spot, with the Reds scheduled to play against the Milwaukee Brewers later Saturday. As a result, the Mets' postseason fortunes will come down to the last day of the regular season.

«It's a game we had to win today and I just went out there and gave it my all,» Holmes said. «But I think once we finish the job, get in the playoffs, I'll be a little bit more satisfied.»

Holmes had not started a game in 11 days as he sputtered down the stretch and the freefalling Mets sought alternatives. His previous two outings were in relief; he logged 3 2/3 innings piggybacking Sean Manaea last Sunday and was used as a conventional one-inning reliever on Wednesday.

Pitching for the third time in a week on Saturday, Holmes needed just 78 pitches to secure his 18 outs. He wiggled free from jams unscathed in the third and fifth innings. He retired the Marlins in order in his other four