Jeff McNeil had two hits in his return to Citi Field, including an RBI single in a three-run ninth inning that helped the Athletics beat the New York Mets 4-0 on Friday night.
Mets starter Clay Holmes left the game after 5 1/3 innings due to left hamstring discomfort. New York has three runs and 20 hits in a three-game losing streak.
McNeil, who was traded to the Athletics in December after spending his first eight major league seasons with the Mets, received a warm ovation before his first at-bat and removed his helmet visor twice. The 2022 National League batting champion doubled in the fourth inning and, at second base, robbed Carson Benge of a hit to end the fifth.
Shea Langeliers had an RBI single in the third inning against Holmes (2-1) and Denzel Clarke had a two-run single in the ninth for the Athletics, who have pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings against the Mets and Yankees dating to Tuesday night.
Jack Perkins (1-0), the third of five pitchers, allowed three hits in 2 1/3 innings in relief of JT Ginn, who allowed one hit in four innings in his first start this season.
With runners on first and third with no outs in the sixth inning, A’s first baseman Nick Kurtz fielded Jared Young’s grounder and threw to third to catch Francisco Lindor, who returned to the base after running toward the plate. Perkins then caused Luis Robert Jr. to hit into a double play.
Holmes (2-1) allowed five hits.
