Mets Overcome Rays in High-Scoring Affair
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 6:40 PM ET · Tropicana Field
New York Mets 10, Tampa Bay Rays 4, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New York Mets vs Tampa Bay Rays?
New York Mets beat Tampa Bay Rays 10-4 at Tropicana Field on September 2, 2026.
Who was favored in New York Mets vs Tampa Bay Rays?
Tampa Bay Rays were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -191 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at Tropicana Field, the New York Mets defeated the Tampa Bay Rays with a final score of 10-4. This victory allowed the Mets to win the series 2-1 against the Rays, showcasing their resilience after a challenging season. The Mets, with an away record of 63-77, have struggled throughout the year, but this win highlighted their ability to perform under pressure against a strong opponent.
The Rays entered the game with an impressive home record of 83-56 and had been in good form, winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 4.2 runs scored and only 2.8 runs allowed. Their recent performance included a 6-2 victory over the Mets just a day prior, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. However, the Mets managed to turn the tables in this game, scoring early and maintaining their lead.
In the first inning, the Mets struck first with a series of scoring plays that put them ahead 3-0, including a single by Young that resulted in two runs due to errors by the Rays. The Rays responded in the third inning with a run, but the Mets continued to dominate, adding three more runs in the same inning to extend their lead to 6-1. The Rays attempted to mount a comeback, scoring three runs in the fourth inning, but it was not enough to overcome the Mets' early advantage.
Throughout the game, the Mets demonstrated their offensive prowess, with key contributions from players like Baty, who hit a double that brought in three runs, and Soto, who capped the scoring with a homer in the eighth inning. The Mets averaged 3.2 runs scored and 4.4 runs allowed in their last ten games, and this performance was a significant improvement, showcasing their potential to compete effectively.
The injury situation for both teams was notable, with the Rays missing several key players, including Cole Sulser and Edwin Uceta, both on the injured list for significant periods. The Mets also faced challenges with injuries, including Cionel Perez and Devin Williams, but their depth was evident as they managed to secure a vital win despite these setbacks.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Rays favored at -191, with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 8.0 runs. The odds reflected the Rays' strong home record and recent form, but the Mets' performance in this game defied expectations, illustrating the unpredictable nature of baseball.
As the game progressed, the conditions at Tropicana Field remained favorable for play, allowing both teams to showcase their skills without weather-related interruptions. Fans were treated to a high-scoring affair, with multiple lead changes and a display of offensive talent from both sides.
Overall, this game was a testament to the Mets' ability to rise to the occasion, while the Rays will need to regroup and address their injuries as they approach the final stretch of the season. The series concluded with the Mets taking two out of three games, a significant achievement given their struggles this year.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Mets promises to be an intriguing matchup as the series is currently tied 1-1. The Rays, with a strong home record of 83-55, will host the Mets at Tropicana Field on September 2, 2026. This game is particularly noteworthy as it follows a recent victory for the Rays, who won 6-2 against the Mets on September 1, after losing to them 3-2 the previous day.
In their last five games, the Rays have demonstrated solid form, winning four of those contests. They recently swept a three-game series against the San Diego Padres, with scores of 9-4, 7-6, and 5-4 in their favor. Their only recent loss came in a close game against the Mets, but they bounced back quickly with their latest victory. The Rays have averaged 5.8 runs scored per game in their last five outings, while allowing 3.8 runs. At home, they have a record of 4-1 in their last five games, scoring an average of 4.2 runs and allowing only 2.8.
Conversely, the Mets have struggled recently, posting a 4-6 record in their last ten games. Their last five games include a mix of results, with a recent win against the Rays followed by a loss in the rematch. The Mets have averaged only 3.0 runs scored in their last five games, while allowing an average of 3.8 runs. Their away record stands at 2-2 in their last four games, indicating some inconsistency on the road.
Historically, the Rays have had the upper hand in recent matchups against the Mets, winning four out of the last five meetings. Their previous encounters this season have been competitive, with the Rays winning two of the three games played so far. The most significant victory came on June 15, 2025, when the Rays defeated the Mets 9-0.
In terms of injuries, the Rays will be without several key players, including Cole Sulser (15-Day IL, back), Edwin Uceta (60-Day IL, shoulder), Jake Fraley (60-Day IL, groin), Jonathan Heasley (60-Day IL, elbow), and Ben Williamson (10-Day IL, hamstring). The Mets also face challenges with injuries to Cionel Perez (15-Day IL, forearm), Devin Williams (15-Day IL, shoulder), Jorge Polanco (60-Day IL, ankle), Reed Garrett (60-Day IL, elbow), and Tylor Megill (60-Day IL, elbow).
The betting market reflects the Rays' strong position, with DraftKings pricing them at -187 on the money line and giving them a -1.5 spread. The total for the game is set at 8.0, with odds of -112 for the over and -108 for the under. This indicates that the market expects a competitive game, but favors the Rays to come out on top.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be warm, with a temperature around 87°F and a 49% chance of precipitation. Winds will be gusting at 13 mph, which could potentially affect gameplay.
As the game approaches, fans should watch for standout performances, particularly from the Rays' Junior Caminero, who leads the team in home runs with 37 and RBIs with 88. For the Mets, Carson Benge is notable with a batting average of .276. This matchup not only showcases the talent on both sides but also the importance of the series as teams vie for better positioning as the season nears its conclusion.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TB -191 | 8 o -112 / u -108 | New York Mets +157 · Tampa Bay Rays -191 |
Injury report
- Cole Sulser15-Day-ILBackTampa Bay Rays
- Edwin Uceta60-Day-ILShoulderTampa Bay Rays
- Jake Fraley60-Day-ILGroinTampa Bay Rays
- Jonathan Heasley60-Day-ILElbowTampa Bay Rays
- Ben Williamson10-Day-ILHamstringTampa Bay Rays
- Cionel Perez15-Day-ILForearmNew York Mets
- Devin Williams15-Day-ILShoulderNew York Mets
- Jorge Polanco60-Day-ILAnkleNew York Mets
- Reed Garrett60-Day-ILElbowNew York Mets
- Tylor Megill60-Day-ILElbowNew York Mets
Recent form
Tampa Bay Rays
Last 10: 7-3Streak W14.2 scored · 2.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W6-2vs New York MetsSep 1
- L2-3vs New York MetsAug 31
- W5-4vs San Diego PadresAug 30
- W7-6vs San Diego PadresAug 29
- W9-4vs San Diego PadresAug 28
- W3-0at Detroit TigersAug 26
- L1-4at Detroit TigersAug 25
- W4-1at Detroit TigersAug 24
- W3-1at Baltimore OriolesAug 23
- L2-3at Baltimore OriolesAug 22
New York Mets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L13.2 scored · 4.4 allowed per game2-2 away
- L2-6at Tampa Bay RaysSep 1
- W3-2at Tampa Bay RaysAug 31
- L3-6vs Houston AstrosAug 30
- W6-2vs Houston AstrosAug 29
- L1-3vs Houston AstrosAug 28
- L2-8vs Milwaukee BrewersAug 27
- L1-8vs Milwaukee BrewersAug 26
- W3-2vs Milwaukee BrewersAug 25
- L1-2at Chicago White SoxAug 23
- W10-5at Chicago White SoxAug 22
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 57 | W1 | .593 | 83 |
| Philadelphia | 4 | 61 | L1 | .564 | 79 |
| Miami | 12 | 69 | W2 | .507 | 71 |
| Washington | 17 | 75 | L1 | .472 | 67 |
| New York | 20 | 77 | W1 | .450 | 63 |
| Tampa Bay | - | 56 | L1 | .597 | 83 |
| New York | 3.5 | 60 | W2 | .571 | 80 |
| Boston | 8.5 | 65 | L2 | .536 | 75 |
| Toronto | 14.5 | 71 | W1 | .493 | 69 |
| Baltimore | 14.5 | 71 | L2 | .493 | 69 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Inning2-0Young singled to right, Benge scored on error, Young to second, Bichette to third, Bichette scored on error by catcher Hicks.
- 1st Inning3-0Semien doubled to left, Young scored.
- 3rd Inning6-0Baty doubled to left, Bichette scored, Ewing scored and Semien scored.
- 3rd Inning6-1Aranda singled to left, Walls scored, Díaz to second.
- 4th Inning6-2Mullins singled to right, Simpson scored on error, Mullins safe at second on throwing error by right fielder Benge.
- 4th Inning6-4Palacios homered to right (366 feet), Mullins scored.
- 7th Inning9-4Morabito doubled to left, Benge scored, Semien scored and Young scored.
- 8th Inning10-4Soto homered to right (383 feet).
Win probability
Above the line favours Tampa Bay Rays, below favours New York Mets.
Venue
- Tropicana FieldSt. Petersburg, Florida
- Attendance14431
- OfficialsJohn Tumpane, Brennan Miller, Austin Jones, Ben May