The Mets defeated the Tigers 8-2, highlighted by A.J. Ewing's impressive debut, including his first major league hit and two RBIs. Freddy Peralta recorded a quality start, allowing only two runs over six innings.
Key points
Mets defeated the Tigers 8-2
A.J. Ewing made his major league debut
Freddy Peralta recorded a quality start
Dillon Dingler hit a solo home run for the Tigers
Mets scored multiple runs in the seventh inning
New York MetsDetroit Tigers
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: A.J. Ewing #9 of the New York Mets celebrates with teammates in the dugout after crossing home plate in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field on May 12, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 12: A.J. Ewing #9 of the New York Mets celebrates with teammates in the dugout after crossing home plate in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field on May 12, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mets returned home after their west coast road trip to face the Tigers. Freddy Peralta was taking the mound for the Mets, looking to try and get back on the right foot after losing the final two games (and the series) against the Diamondbacks. Jack Flaherty was starting for the Tigers, struggling so far in 2026 with an ERA north of 5.50 and just 34 innings pitched across eight starts. And it was a very special day for Mets top prospect A.J. Ewing, who was getting his first start as a major leaguer, playing in center field and batting eighth.
The first inning was quiet for both sides, with each team having one base runner and both teams stranding that runner. Dillon Dingler hit a solo home run to lead off the second inning for the Tigers, putting the first run of the game on the board. A single and a double put runners on second and third with no outs, and Spencer Torkelson hit a sacrifice to score the Tigersâ second run of the game. Peralta was able to work his way out of the jam to stop the scoring there. In the bottom of the inning the Mets immediately threatened to come back, loading the bases with only one out. drove in the Mets first run on a force out, but that was all the Mets could do in the inning.
In the bottom of the third hit an RBI single to drive in and tie the game, and in the bottom of the fourth Carson Benge hit an RBI single to drive in Alvarez and take the lead. The Mets were able to drive Flaherty from the game with two outs in the fourth after he gave up three runs on six hits and three walks.
In the bottom of the sixth, facing , the Mets loaded the bases with one out. In the midst of it, Alvarez hurt himself while at bat and had to be removed from the game, with coming in to replace him. Bo Bichette came up and hit what *shouldâve* been an inning ending double play. But when threw the ball into right field instead of to second base, two runs scored to give the Mets a three run lead with still just one out. Smith was then pulled in favor of Emmanuel De Jesus. hit a dribbler back to Torkelson at first whose only play was to get the out at first allowing Benge to score as the Mets third and final run of the inning before De Jesus finally got out of it.
came in to relieve Freddy Peralta, who recorded a quality start giving up just two runs in six innings, with seven strikeouts and just one walk. Raley dealt with a little trouble, ending up with runners on second and third with just one out. But he got through it without allowing a run to score and keeping the Mets lead intact. In the bottom of the seventh, De Jesus was still in the game, and he had given up a single to bookended by outs to put him one out away from a clean inning. But A.J. Ewing, who had already walked twice and gotten his first stolen base earlier in the game, got his first major league hit (and RBI) and made it count, hitting a triple that drove in Baty. came in to try and get the Tigers out of it without any further damage. Luis Torrens hit an RBI single to drive in Ewing as the Metsâ eighth run of the game, but that was the end of the Mets seventh inning outburst.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Mets continued to pile on. Two singles led to runners on the corners with just one out. (who was brought in to pinch hit for earlier in the game) hit a dribbler up the first base line, and Vanasco fielded the ball but lost it on the transfer to his hand, allowing Slater to reach safely and Soto to score. An infield single for Semien loaded the bases, and Ewing walked to drive in yet another run for the Mets, his third walk and second RBI of the game. That drove Vanasco from the game in favor of , a position player taking the mound. He was able to get the final out of the inning and get the Tigers up for their last chance, with eight runs distancing them from just coming even with the Mets.
pitched both the eighth and ninth innings, and he went scoreless in both, delivering the Mets the first win of the homestand and helping to keep the rest of the bullpen rested. They started the homestand off on the right foot and saw a burgeoning young star potentially emerge in A.J. Ewingâs first major league game. Next, they have to face behind , whoâs looking to build on his last performance and put his shaky first start behind him.
Q&A
What were A.J. Ewing's stats in his major league debut against the Tigers?
A.J. Ewing had one hit, two RBIs, and three walks in his debut game against the Tigers.
How did Freddy Peralta perform in the game against the Tigers?
Freddy Peralta pitched six innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven, and walking one batter.
What was the final score of the Mets vs. Tigers game on May 12, 2026?
The Mets won the game against the Tigers with a final score of 8-2.
Who scored the first run for the Tigers in the game?
Dillon Dingler hit a solo home run to score the first run for the Tigers in the second inning.
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