The New York Mets got exactly the spark they needed from a fresh face, as A.J. Ewing delivered a standout MLB debut in Tuesday night's 10-2 rout of the Detroit Tigers. The 21-year-old prospect didn't just show up—he made history, becoming the first Mets player ever to hit a triple in his big league debut. Add in three walks, two runs scored, and a stolen base, and it's safe to say Ewing made quite the first impression.
On the mound, Freddy Peralta (3-3) battled through early trouble to give the Mets six solid innings. After surrendering a leadoff homer to Dillon Dingler and a sacrifice fly to Spencer Torkelson in the second inning, the right-hander settled in. His defensive highlight came in the fifth, when he backed up a throw from the outfield and cut down Colt Keith at home plate to keep the Tigers from extending their lead. Peralta finished with seven strikeouts and just one walk, winning his second straight start after a rough stretch.
The Mets' offense came alive in the fourth, when catcher Francisco Alvarez doubled and scored on Carson Benge's tiebreaking single. However, Alvarez was removed in the sixth after fouling a ball off his knee. The team announced he'll undergo imaging Wednesday, adding to a growing list of injured regulars that already includes shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Jorge Polanco, and center fielder Luis Robert Jr.
With the roster banged up, the Mets turned to Ewing, who was called up after just 12 games at Triple-A Syracuse. He rewarded their faith with a performance that had the Citi Field crowd buzzing. His seventh-inning RBI triple was a rocket to the gap, and he even flied out to the warning track in center—showing he's got pop to go with that speed.
Tigers starter Jack Flaherty (0-4) labored through 3 2/3 innings, throwing 97 pitches and allowing three runs on six hits. Detroit's defense didn't help, committing multiple errors that kept Mets rallies alive.
New York, which entered with the worst record in the majors at 15-25, will look to build on this momentum Wednesday night. The Tigers send left-hander Framber Valdez (2-2, 4.57 ERA) to the mound, making his return from a five-game suspension for intentionally hitting Boston's Trevor Story with a pitch.