New York – The New York Mets secured a crucial 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night, May 25, 2025, at Citi Field, thanks to a breakout performance by Juan Soto and a commanding outing by starting pitcher David Peterson. This win not only tied their three-game series at one apiece but also sent a strong message to the National League — the Mets are finding their rhythm as the season progresses.
Coming off a quiet stretch at the plate, Juan Soto delivered when the Mets needed him most. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with the game locked at 2-2 and runners in scoring position, Soto ripped a two-run double down the right-field line, giving the Mets a lead they would not relinquish. It marked a turning point in the game, revitalizing both the lineup and the Citi Field crowd.
The Dodgers, who entered the night with a 32-19 record and a narrow lead in the NL West, looked strong early. They struck first in the top of the second inning, capitalizing on a leadoff walk and an RBI single by Will Smith. Los Angeles extended their lead to 2-0 before the Mets responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs of their own, highlighted by a Brandon Nimmo RBI single and a fielding error that allowed Francisco Alvarez to score.
While Soto’s timely double was the highlight at the plate, the pitching performance by David Peterson cannot be understated. The left-hander was dominant across 7.2 innings, allowing only five hits and two earned runs while striking out seven. He efficiently worked through the Dodgers’ dangerous lineup, keeping sluggers like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in check. With his ERA now dropping below 3.50, Peterson continues to solidify his role as a reliable arm in the Mets’ rotation.
The Mets’ bullpen also played its part. Following Peterson’s exit in the eighth, setup man Brooks Raley got the final out of the inning before Edwin Díaz closed the door in the ninth with his 15th save of the season. Díaz’s fastball velocity and control looked sharp, retiring the side in order and preserving the three-run cushion.
Defensively, the Mets played a clean game, backing up Peterson with solid glove work. Notably, third baseman Brett Baty made a diving stop in the sixth to rob Max Muncy of a potential double, keeping the momentum on New York’s side.
The loss drops the Dodgers to 32-20 as they prepare for the rubber match on Monday night. Despite the setback, Los Angeles remains a top-tier contender in the National League, though Sunday’s result exposed some vulnerabilities in their bullpen depth and offensive consistency. Rookie starter Landon Knack, who took the loss, gave up four earned runs over five innings and struggled to locate his secondary pitches after the third inning.
As for the Mets, this victory brings them to 31-21 and boosts their home record to 18-6, one of the best in baseball. More importantly, it suggests that their offense — powered by key veterans and rising stars — can go toe-to-toe with the league’s elite. Soto’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time, as the Mets look to keep pace in a tightly contested NL East.
Looking ahead, both teams will return to Citi Field on Monday for the series finale. The Mets will send veteran right-hander Tylor Megill to the mound, while the Dodgers are expected to counter with Bobby Miller. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET, with playoff-level intensity expected between two of the National League’s premier clubs.
In what could very well be a postseason preview, Sunday’s game was a showcase of timely hitting, dominant pitching, and the kind of baseball that New York fans hope to see deep into October. The Mets’ 5-2 win over the Dodgers was not just a victory — it was a statement.
