Jeff McNeil gets 2 hits in return to Citi Field, leading Athletics over Mets 4-0

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeff McNeil had two hits in his return to Citi Field, including a run-scoring single in a three-run ninth inning that helped the Athletics beat the New York Mets 4-0 on Friday night as their pitchers extended a scoreless streak to 26 innings.

Mets starter Clay Holmes left after 5 1/3 innings with left hamstring tightness. New York has three runs and 20 hits during a three-game losing streak.

McNeil, traded to the A's in December after spending his first eight big league seasons with the Mets, received a warm ovation before his first at-bat and tipped the bill of his helmet twice. The 2022 NL batting champion doubled in the fourth and at second base robbed Carson Benge of a hit to end the fifth.

Shea Langeliers had an RBI single in the third off Holmes (2-1) and Denzel Clarke hit a two-run single in the ninth for the Athletics, who have pitched 25 straight scoreless innings against the Mets and Yankees dating to Tuesday night.

Jack Perkins (1-0), the third of five pitchers, allowed three hits over 2 1/3 innings in relief of J.T. Ginn, who gave up one hit over four innings in his first start this season.

With runners at the corners with no outs in the sixth, A's first baseman Nick Kurtz fielded Jared Young’s grounder and threw to third to nab Francisco Lindor, who broke back to the bag after taking off for home. Perkins then got Luis Robert Jr. to hit into a double play.

Holmes (2-1) allowed five hits.

Athletics LHP Jacob Lopez (0-1, 6.48 ERA) faces Mets RHP Kodai Senga (0-1, 3.09 ERA) on Saturday.

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

New York Mets' Francisco Lindor, right, and Francisco Alvarez, left, encourae pitcher Tobias Myers (32) before he leaves during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics Friday, April 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

New York Mets' Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after being thrown out at first base during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics Friday, April 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Athletics' Jeff McNeil (22) throws out New York Mets' Luis Robert Jr. at first base after forcing out New York Mets' Jared Young (29) for a double play during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, April 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Athletics' Jeff McNeil (22) runs to first base for an RBI single during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Friday, April 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Athletics' Jeff McNeil follows through on a double during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Friday, April 10, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — A seven-year-old horse had to be euthanized Friday after breaking its back on the final fence of a Grand National steeplechase race that it won despite suffering the serious injury.

It follows the death of four horses at the Cheltenham Festival in March — including one after the prestigious Gold Cup.

Gold Dancer was competing in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase during Ladies Day at Aintree’s Grand National Festival. The horse managed to cross the finish line approximately four lengths ahead of runner-up Regent’s Stroll.

“The winner of our second race of the day, Gold Dancer, was pulled up after the line and dismounted," Aintree Racecourse said in a statement. “He was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team but sadly he could not be saved. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”

Jockey Paul Townend rode the gelding across the finish line and dismounted immediately once the horse pulled up beyond the winning post. Screens were put up around Gold Dancer as veterinary experts rushed to provide treatment.

Eddie O’Leary, racing manager for owners Gigginstown, defended Townend's actions for continuing to ride.

“What could Paul Townend do? He felt fine, it was just when he pulled up that something was wrong,” O'Leary said.

The British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) later released details of a stewards’ report which appeared to clear Townend of any wrongdoing.

“After reviewing the footage, the Director of Equine, Safety, and Welfare explained that Gold Dancer’s action was typical of a 3-mile chaser in the final stages of a race and supported the evidence of Townend," part of the statement said.

Two other horses, Miami Magic and Jordans Cross, fell during the same contest but both returned safely to their stables.

At last year's meeting, a horse that collapsed on the racecourse after running in the Grand National also died.

After the Cheltenham Festival deaths in March, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the four deaths took the number of horses to have lost their lives in competitive racing in Britain this year to 24.

There was more criticism after Friday's Gold Dancer death.

“Year after year we see horses dying at Aintree for people’s entertainment and a cheap bet.” Emma Slawinski, chief executive at the League Against Cruel Sports, was quoted as saying by GB News.

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Crowds watch the racing on Ladies Day, the second day of the Grand National Horse Racing festival, at Aintree racecourse, near Liverpool, England, Friday, April 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Crowds watch the first race on Ladies Day, the second day of the Grand National Horse Racing festival, at Aintree racecourse, near Liverpool, England, Friday, April 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)