Paul Blackburn delivered a standout performance in his season debut, pitching five scoreless innings as the New York Mets secured a dramatic 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in innings. After missing nine months due to a spinal injury and knee inflammation, Blackburn held the Dodgers to just three hits and a walk, striking out three—including Shohei Ohtani twice—before exiting to a rare show of emotion from the veteran pitcher.
Francisco Lindor set the tone with a leadoff home run, and Francisco Alvarez drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th. Despite a blown save by Edwin Díaz, the Mets’ bullpen held firm, with José Buttó recording the final outs to seal the victory.
Blackburn’s return was marked by a revamped pitch mix, relying on cutters, curveballs, and changeups rather than his former four-seam fastball, a strategy that kept the Dodgers’ potent lineup off balance The win extends the Mets’ streak and adds depth to a pitching staff already leading the majors in ERA.
With starters returning from the injured list soon, Blackburn’s role may shift to the bullpen, but his successful outing against one of baseball’s top offenses has given the Mets a valuable option as they navigate a demanding schedule.
