In a much-needed spark for a struggling season, the New York Mets turned to rookie sensation Ronny Mauricio, who delivered a go-ahead solo home run in the seventh inning to lift the team to a 4-3 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. The win, just the Mets' fourth in their last 21 games, kicked off their nine-game road trip on a high note—and came hours after the front office publicly backed manager Carlos Mendoza.

The Mets, who now hold the majors' worst record at 11-21, showed resilience in the sixth inning. Down 3-0, they mounted a three-run rally to tie the game. Marcus Semien provided the clutch hit with a two-run single, while Francisco Alvarez added an RBI single. The energy shifted dramatically, setting the stage for Mauricio's heroics.

Mauricio's one-out blast in the seventh inning left the bat at an eye-popping 111.3 mph—his first homer of the season—and sailed over the wall to give the Mets a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Mets' bullpen was equally impressive, retiring the final 21 Angels batters in order. Huascar Brazobán earned the win with a perfect sixth inning, while Brooks Raley, Luke Weaver, and Devin Williams (who notched his third save) combined for four hitless innings of relief.

Starting pitcher Christian Scott turned in a solid outing, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits over five innings while striking out eight and walking none. On the Angels' side, Jorge Soler crushed a two-run homer, but the team's bullpen struggles continued. Los Angeles' relievers entered the game with a 5.66 ERA—second worst in the American League—and faltered after starter Walbert Ureña left in the sixth inning due to a comebacker that struck his right leg.

The series continues Saturday, with the Mets sending right-hander Nolan McLean (1-2, 2.55 ERA) to the mound against Angels lefty Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.28 ERA). For Mets fans, Friday's win was a glimpse of the fight that's been missing—and a reminder that even in a tough season, one swing can change everything.