deGrom, a two-time Cy Young Award winner and Mets ace from 2014 to 2022, was welcomed back with a video tribute and a standing ovation from the 41,040 fans. He responded with a strong outing: seven innings pitched, three runs allowed on four hits, and two strikeouts, retiring the final 15 batters he faced. After the game, deGrom acknowledged the emotions of his return and credited the Mets fans for their support during his years in New York.
The game was decided early. Texas jumped on Mets rookie Jonah Tong, scoring six runs in the first inning—deGrom’s largest first-inning run support in his career. The Rangers’ rally, all with two outs, featured RBI singles from Josh Jung and Alejandro Osuna, a two-run single by Cody Freeman, and a two-run double from Michael Helman. Tong lasted just two outs, marking the shortest start for a Mets pitcher since 2022.
The Mets responded with a three-run third inning, highlighted by a Francisco Alvarez solo homer and sacrifice flies from Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. But that was all the offense New York could muster, as deGrom settled in and Texas’ bullpen held the line. Dylan Moore added insurance with a pinch-hit two-run homer in the seventh.
The Rangers, despite missing key players like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Evan Carter, and Adolis García due to injuries, have now won 15 of their last 19 games. They remain two games behind the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners for the AL West lead and the final AL wild card spot. The Mets, meanwhile, continue their slide, with their lead for the final NL wild card trimmed to just half a game over the San Francisco Giants.
Up next, Texas will send left-hander Patrick Corbin to the mound, while Mets rookie Brandon Sproat will start for New York. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.
For more details, visit Rangers 8-3 Mets (Sep 12, 2025) Game Recap and follow Jacob deGrom on Twitter.