Cespedes receives warm Citi Field ovation, goes hitless in Mets debut

Yoenis Cespedes failed to make an impact in his New York Mets debut, but his presence in the middle of the lineup inspired a massive performance from one of his teammates.

Cespedes, hitting third in manager Terry Collins' lineup, went 0-for-3 with a strikeout and was intentionally walked in the eighth inning with a runner in scoring position. The outfielder did, however, provide protection for cleanup hitter Lucas Duda, who went 3-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs in New York's 3-2 victory over the Washington Nationals.

"It's sure nice to have him (Cespedes) in our lineup," Duda said postgame. "That's for sure."

Related: Duda continues torrid home-run pace with 2 bombs vs. Nationals

Cespedes, who was acquired Friday from the Detroit Tigers for two minor-league pitchers, received a warm ovation from the Citi Field faithful prior to his first at-bat.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The Mets announced a crowd of 42,996, which is a sellout and the second-largest attendance figure in stadium history next to Opening Day in April.

"The stadium was just how I like to play," Cespedes said through an interpreter. "It was full. It was full of energy, a lot of screaming fans so I enjoyed that."