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Clay Holmes Struggles in Mets’ Dominant 13-5 Victory Over Braves

In a game marked by highs and lows, Clay Holmes found himself in a difficult position as the New York Mets triumphed over the Atlanta Braves 13-5. Holmes, who has been under scrutiny lately, faced challenges on the mound that nearly overshadowed a record-setting performance by Pete Alonso.

A Night of Milestones and Missteps

Pete Alonso shone brightly, hitting his franchise-record 253rd home run, giving the Mets a 5-1 lead. However, with a commanding performance in jeopardy, Clay Holmes couldn’t maintain the momentum. In the fourth inning, he surrendered four runs, allowing the Braves to claw back into the game.

Holmes’ Struggles Explained

Holmes struggled significantly during his outing:

• Innings Pitched: 3 2/3
• Earned Runs: 5
• Hits Allowed: 6
• Walks: 5

Carlos Mendoza, the Mets’ manager, commented on Holmes’ difficulties: “He had a hard time landing the sinker for strikes. He was missing arm-side a lot,” emphasizing the need for better pitch recognition and timely adjustments.

The Impact of Holmes’ Performance

With Frankie Montas already sidelined, Holmes’ performance raises questions about his role in the bullpen. Despite his recent struggles, Mendoza noted that, “He’s a big part of this team,” stressing the importance of monitoring his effectiveness. Holmes holds a 5.10 ERA with 27 walks and 33 strikeouts over his last ten starts.

A Historically Challenging Season for Holmes

Previously a reliever, Holmes has seen an increase in innings pitched, now totaling 126 for the season. This marks a significant shift for a player who has never previously thrown more than 70 innings in a season.

Clay Holmes on His Pitching Challenges

While there have been concerns about fatigue, Holmes believes that pitch selection was the root of his issues. “I started getting a little too fine and then had to go over the plate in counts where I probably shouldn’t have,” he reflected. He emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence in his sinker and staying aggressive in his approach.

Looking Ahead: The Mets’ Next Steps

• Monitor Holmes’ Performance: The coaching staff will continue to assess his mechanics and overall health.
• Utilization of Bullpen: With Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat waiting in the wings, the Mets might consider making adjustments if Holmes’ struggles persist.

Conclusion

As the Mets look to build on their offensive success and stabilize their pitching rotation, Clay Holmes’ next appearances will be critical in determining his role in the team’s success. With the playoffs approaching, maintaining a strong pitching lineup will be essential for their championship aspirations.

For more insights on the Mets, check out ESPN’s MLB Section. Stay updated with the Mets and their journey through the season.