Rays beat Mets 3-1 to spoil strong MLB debut by New York's Scott; Cash picks up 755th victory

05/05/2024

New York Mets’ Brandon Nimmo slides into home plate under the tag by Tampa Bay Rays catcher Ben Rortvedt during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Nimmo scored on an RBI single by Starling Marte. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pinch hitter Austin Shenton’s bases-loaded walk scored a tiebreaking run in the eighth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Mets 3-1 on Saturday night.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zack Littell delivers to the New York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Adam Ottavino (1-1) was on the verge of getting out of a bases-loaded jam with one out in the eighth after shortstop Francisco Lindor made a leaping throw to home for a force-out at the plate on Randy Arozarena’s high hopper.

However, Shenton walked to complete a nine-pitch plate appearance before José Caballero drew a free pass from Sean Reid-Foley to make it 3-1.

Jason Adam (2-0) worked out of a two-on, two-out jam in the eighth before Phil Maton worked the ninth for his first save.

Rays manager Kevin Cash won his 755th game, moving past Joe Maddon for the most wins in team history.

“They were pretty pumped,” Cash said. “We got a bunch of good guys. I am appreciative of all of them and guys from the past. It was a fun day.”

The players celebrated by rolling Cash in a cart and “having everything sprayed all over me that you can imagine,” according to the46-year-old manager. “Beer, champagne shaving cream … think baby powder.”

New York Mets pitcher Christian Scott delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Mets right-hander Christian Scott sparkled in his major league debut, allowing one run and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. The Coconut Creek, Florida, native struck out six and walked one.

“It was awesome,” Scott said. “I had a lot of family here. I was super comfortable out there. I really trusted my stuff.”

Scott gave his first strikeout ball to his parents.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash watches play during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

After the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Scott will remain in the rotation.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zack Littell, left, throws out New York Mets’ Brandon Nimmo at first base on a ground ball back to the mound during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Scott’s first three batters in the first reached on hits, including an RBI single by Isaac Paredes. The 24-year-old avoided further damage by striking out Randy Arozarena on a 3-2, 96-mph fastball, and getting a double-play grounder from Harold Ramírez.

“He kept making pitches, got his ground ball, we turn the double play,” Mendoza said. “And after that, it was lights out.”

Scott retired 12 in a row before Ben Rortvedt had a one-out single in the fifth. He ended the inning and stranded a runner at third on a strikeout of Jose Siri.

Rortvedt singled past Scott on his 94th — and final — pitch with two outs in the seventh. Scott threw 67 strikes, and received a standing ovation from the Mets’ fans in attendance when he departed.

New York Mets’ J.D. Martinez lines a single off Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Zack Littell during the fourth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Catching for the Rays is Ben Rortvedt. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

The Mets took a 1-0 lead when Brandon Nimmo doubled off Zack Littell’s first pitch and scored on Starling Marte’s single.

New York Mets pitcher Christian Scott’s family celebrates after Scott struck out Tampa Bay Rays’ Harold Ramirez during the fourth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Scott is making his major league debut. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Littell gave up one run, six hits and struck out seven in six innings. The right-hander had his ERA drop to 3.00 from 3.27.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rays: Kevin Cash said there will be discussions about RHP Taj Bradley (right pectoral) rejoining the rotation after his strong six-inning outing Friday for Triple-A Durham. Cash doesn’t expect to use a six-man rotation, which means struggling RHP Aaron Civale or LHP Tyler Alexander could be dropped. … RHP Shane Baz (Tommy John surgery) allowed three runs and three hits over three innings for Triple-A Durham in his first start since July 10, 2022.

Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena makes a running catch on a fly out by New York Mets’ Tomas Nido during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

UP NEXT

Mets RHP Luis Severino (2-2, 2.31 ERA) and Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (3-2, 3.12 ERA) are Sunday’s starters. Severino took a no-hitter into the eighth inning on Monday against the Chicago Cubs.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

New York Mets’ Starling Marte (6) steals second base ahead of the throw to Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jose Caballero during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Looking on is umpire Mark Wegner. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

New York Mets relief pitcher Adam Ottavino walks off after being taken out the game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 4, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

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