Baty leads power surge as Mets beat Padres 8-3 in series opener between NL playoff contenders

NEW YORK (AP) — Brett Baty hit a two-run homer that capped a five-run first inning for the New York Mets, who beat the San Diego Padres 8-3 on Tuesday night to win consecutive games for the first time in two weeks.

Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Cedric Mullins also went deep as the Mets improved to 4-9 this month. They won their second straight following an eight-game losing streak — their longest since 2018.

New York remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Arizona in a four-team race for the final National League wild card.

Brandon Nimmo had an RBI single in the first and Jeff McNeil delivered a two-run double off an ineffective Michael King in the opener of a three-game series between NL playoff contenders.

Jackson Merrill, Jake Cronenworth and Freddy Fermin homered for the Padres, who occupy the second wild-card spot, four games ahead of the Mets. San Diego stayed two games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

Struggling lefty Sean Manaea (2-3), serving in a piggyback role behind Clay Holmes, allowed one run in five innings of relief for the win. Holmes, completing his first full season as a starter, permitted three hits — including the homers by Merrill and Cronenworth — in four innings.

King (4-3), making his third start since May 18 following right shoulder and left knee injuries, set career highs by giving up eight runs and 10 hits over three innings. The four homers he allowed tied a career worst set April 12, 2024.

Baty’s 416-foot shot was his second homer in his last 23 games.

Alonso (35 homers) and Juan Soto (40 homers) are the first Mets teammates to reach 35 home runs in the same season since Carlos Beltrán (41) and Carlos Delgado (36) in 2006. … The Mets scored five runs in the first inning after scoring five or fewer in each of their previous 11 games.

Mets LHP David Peterson (9-5, 3.77 ERA) opposes Padres RHP Nick Pivetta (13-5, 2.73) on Wednesday night.

A previous version of this story corrected Michael King's record.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt, second left, pats Michael King (34) on the back as he walks off the mound during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

New York Mets pitcher Clay Holmes throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

New York Mets' Brett Baty rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The New York Mets celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres in a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 16, 2026--

White Castle, the innovator of The Original Slider ®, is kicking off 2026 with deals and offers designed for customers who want bold flavors, satisfying portions and meals that are easy on the budget.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260116062382/en/

Deals to start the new year on a delicious note include weekly White Castle Wednesday flash offers in January, 2 for $4 Crispy Chicken Slider offers, a super Crave Clutch offer for Super Bowl weekend in February and a discount offer to celebrate White Castle’s 105 th birthday in March.

“Value has always been part of White Castle’s DNA, and we’re bringing that mindset into 2026 with offers that reflect how people want to eat today,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “These offers reinforce what White Castle has always stood for — great taste, real value and food people can feel good about choosing.”

For more winter offers, customers can join Craver Nation Rewards, the free-to-join customer loyalty program that offers high-value perks, points and rewards to members.

Here are select offers and deals scheduled to run in January, February and March.

Special Offers (no coupons necessary)

Offers for Craver Nation Rewards Members (available through the White Castle app)

About White Castle ®

White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 334 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider ® ) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work ® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS ® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.

Editor’s Note: Download images of popular White Castle menu itemshere.

White Castle's seasonal deals run January through March, with limited-time offers tied to key moments including Super Bowl weekend, Mardi Gras and White Castle’s 105th birthday.