The New York Mets managed to hang on for a 7-5 win over the Oakland A’s on Friday night, thanks in large part to a clutch eighth-inning homer by Pete Alonso. That solo shot gave the Mets a 7-4 lead, which ended up being just enough as the A’s threatened to tie it up in the bottom of the ninth.

The A’s got a runner to second and brought the tying run to the plate, but only managed to score one before grounding out to end the game.

Early on, it looked like a tight pitcher’s duel, with the Mets leading 2-1 after four innings and 3-1 after five. But things opened up when the bullpens came in.

In the sixth, an error and a walk helped load the bases for the Mets, and Alonso brought in a run with a sac fly. Starling Marte followed up with a two-run double, pushing the lead to 6-1.

But the A’s weren’t done. Miguel Andujar knocked a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to make it 6-4. Oakland kept the pressure on and even loaded the bases for Tyler Soderstrom, their hottest bat so far this season. He crushed a ball to right, but Juan Soto was there to snag it. Despite the hard-hit ball (109.3 mph off the bat!), it was just a loud out.

Stat-wise, the A’s actually looked better on paper. They had a higher expected batting average (.308 to the Mets’ .218), drew more walks, and went 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position. But they left nine runners stranded, and the Mets were just a bit better at cashing in their chances.

That’s been the story for both teams this season — the Mets are now 9-4 and flying high, while the A’s have dropped to 5-9, sitting at the bottom of the AL West. Still, it’s early in the season, and there’s plenty of time for Oakland to turn things around.

The A’s have had a brutal schedule so far, playing tough teams like the Padres, Mets, and Cubs. Outside of the Rockies, most of their opponents have been playoff contenders. The good news? Things should get a little easier soon.

Saturday’s matchup will feature J.T. Ginn — a former Mets prospect and a key piece in the Chris Bassitt trade — making his first start for the A’s. He’s been on fire in Triple-A, striking out more than half the batters he’s faced.

He’ll go up against David Peterson, who’s pitched well so far for New York. His ERA looks good, but his underlying numbers suggest he’s been a little lucky. If the A’s can elevate some pitches against him, they’ve got a shot to even up the serie