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On a day when Citi Field was draped in nostalgia and emotion, honoring one of the most beloved players in New York Mets history, Jake Fraley stole the show on the field. The Cincinnati Reds outfielder delivered a performance to remember, matching a career high with three hits and driving in two key runs to lead his team to a 5-2 victory over the Mets. As the Mets celebrated David Wright’s illustrious career by retiring his No. 5 jersey and inducting him into the franchise’s Hall of Fame, the Reds quietly put together a win that could prove crucial in their playoff push.
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A Day of Tribute Turns Competitive
Before the first pitch was even thrown, the crowd at Citi Field was treated to a moving pregame ceremony for David Wright, the longtime third baseman who played his entire career with the Mets. Wright, a seven-time All-Star and team captain, was honored in front of a sellout crowd, with former teammates, coaches, and family members in attendance. Fans wearing No. 5 jerseys filled the stands, and emotions ran high as Wright addressed the crowd with heartfelt remarks.
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“I will always be a Met, and you will always be my family,” Wright said during the ceremony, drawing a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.
The Mets seemed energized early, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead thanks to an RBI single from Mark Vientos in the first inning and a solo home run from Brett Baty leading off the second. But as has happened all too often this season, the early momentum slipped away.
Fraley Fuels Reds’ Comeback
Trailing 2-0, the Reds began chipping away in the third inning. Jake Fraley doubled to right and then scored when Mets catcher Luis Torrens made a costly two-base throwing error trying to catch him stealing third. The errant throw allowed Fraley to race home, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
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Moments later, Matt McLain tied the game with an RBI single that plated Elly De La Cruz. In the fourth, Fraley returned to center stage, lining a sharp single up the middle to drive in Noelvi Marte and give the Reds their first lead of the day at 3-2.
In the sixth, Fraley struck again. This time, a run-scoring double to left-center brought home TJ Friedl, giving Cincinnati some breathing room at 4-2. Tyler Stephenson followed with a ground ball that resulted in a forceout but brought in another run, extending the Reds’ lead to 5-2.
Fraley finished the day 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored — an all-around performance that perfectly encapsulated his growing importance to the Reds lineup.
Pitching Holds the Line
Nick Martinez (8-9) earned the win for Cincinnati, allowing two runs on five hits over five solid innings while striking out five. Though he didn’t dominate, Martinez showed veteran poise, particularly in working out of a jam in the third inning after New York had loaded the bases.
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Cincinnati’s bullpen did the rest. Scott Barlow came in during a critical moment in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and just one out. He promptly struck out Brandon Nimmo and got Francisco Lindor to ground out, preserving the three-run lead.
Emilio Pagán pitched the ninth for his 21st save of the season but didn’t do it without drama. The Mets’ first two batters reached base, bringing the tying run to the plate with no outs. Lindor grounded into a fielder’s choice, setting up a tense at-bat with Juan Soto. The slugger nearly tied the game with a long fly that just hooked foul down the right-field line.
Then came a controversial moment. Soto checked his swing on a two-strike pitch, but the third base umpire rung him up on appeal. Soto protested briefly before returning to the dugout. Pete Alonso, the Mets’ last hope, hit a deep fly ball to the warning track in right, but it was caught just shy of the wall, ending the game.
Mets’ Missed Opportunities
For the second consecutive game, the Mets let a 2-0 lead slip through their fingers. Despite getting runners on base consistently — 11 left stranded in total — they could not get the big hit when it mattered. New York finished a dismal 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.
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Clay Holmes (8-5), typically reliable, had a rough outing, giving up five runs (four earned) in just 5 1/3 innings. While he showed flashes of control, he was unable to contain Fraley and the Reds’ timely hitting.
The pattern of short outings from Mets starters continued — in the last 40 games, New York starters have failed to pitch beyond six innings 35 times. The lone exception remains David Peterson, who has completed at least 6 1/3 innings in all five of his most recent starts.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, the mood at Citi Field remained reverent and celebratory, at least off the field. Wright’s ceremony was a poignant reminder of the Mets’ legacy and connection to their fans, even as the current team continues to struggle with consistency.
Wright, who retired in 2018 due to chronic spinal issues, finished his career with a .296 batting average, 242 home runs, and 970 RBIs. He ranks as the franchise’s all-time leader in hits, RBIs, and extra-base hits. Saturday’s retirement of his jersey marked a rare honor — he became only the fourth Mets player to receive it, joining Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31), and Jerry Koosman (36).
For the Reds, the win marked their third straight and improved their record to 52-47 — a season-high five games over .500. With the NL Central tight, every win counts, and Fraley’s emergence as a reliable offensive spark couldn’t come at a better time.
Sunday’s Showdown
The series finale on Sunday promises to be a strong pitching duel, with two All-Star left-handers squaring off. David Peterson (6-4, 3.06 ERA) takes the mound for the Mets, hoping to continue his strong stretch and salvage a game from the series. He’ll face off against Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott (8-1, 2.07 ERA), who has quietly built a Cy Young-caliber season and represents a pillar of the Reds’ rotation.
A win for the Reds would give them the series and valuable momentum heading into a crucial stretch of games. For the Mets, a victory would at least offer a positive capstone to a weekend filled with memories and emotional farewells.
Final Thoughts
Saturday at Citi Field was a day built for Mets memories, but it was Jake Fraley and the Reds who made the final headlines. Baseball often has a way of juxtaposing past and present, and while David Wright’s legacy was rightly celebrated, the game belonged to a new generation — one still writing their own stories. And for Jake Fraley, Saturday may go down as a defining chapter
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