The Mets looked like they were well on their way to a seventh straight victory as Clay Holmes left the mound. For the third time in his last four starts, the right-hander had allowed just one run. He exited the game after five innings of work with his team up 5-1. Then disaster ensued.

Danny Jansen's two-run homer capped a six-run sixth inning Friday night as the Tampa Bay Rays handed the New York Mets a rare home loss with a 7-5 decision in the opener of a three-game set.

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday to open a three-game series. New York has gone 27-7 at home and 45-24 overall. The Mets have a 20-5 record in games when they hit at least two home runs.