Rookie Sean Keys hits first career homer, Blue Jays thrash Mets 9-3 in series finale

Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement, left, and Alejandro Kirk congratulates Sean Keys after he hit a three run home run against the New York Mets during third inning MLB baseball action in Toronto on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

TORONTO — Rookie Sean Keys hit his first MLB career home run, a three-run shot, Myles Straw added his own three-run homer, and the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Mets 9-3 on Canada Day.

Keys’ 349-foot blast to left field off Mets starter Freddy Peralta (5-7) came in the third, capping off a four-run inning that also included a two-out RBI double from Ernie Clement.

Pinch-hitting in the seventh inning, Straw launched a three-run home run to left-centre field as part of another four-run frame for Toronto.

The win gave the Blue Jays (41-46) the series victory, while the Mets (36-51) have lost eight of their last 10.

On the mound, the Blue Jays deployed a bullpen game. Right-hander Braydon Fisher pitched a scoreless first inning. Spencer Miles (4-1) followed with three scoreless innings, striking out five and earned the win. Patrick Corbin pitched five innings in relief, allowing three earned runs on four hits and was credited with a save.

Kazuma Okamoto’s RBI single gave Toronto a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

George Springer was placed on the paternity list before the game.

Takeaways

Blue Jays: Over their 10-game homestand — the longest of the season — the Blue Jays went 3-7. Toronto begins a nine-game road trip Friday before pausing for the all-star break.

Mets: Peralta once again struggled for the Mets. The right-handed starter allowed five earned runs on seven hits in four innings with three walks and four strikeouts. His season ERA is 4.81.

Key moment

With two outs in the third, Clement hit a fly ball over the head of Mets’ right-fielder Carson Benge to drive in a run and extend the inning, setting the stage for the 23-year-old Keys.

Key stat

The Blue Jays have an overall record of 18-29 in Canada Day games.

Up next

The Blue Jays and Mets both have an off-day on Thursday. On Friday, Toronto begins a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, while the Mets begin a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2026.

Kaitlyn McGrath, The Canadian Press