Late-Game Chaos Results In 3-2 Mets Victory

After a stretch of three-straight losses, the New York Mets were hoping to create a streak going in the other direction on Sunday at PNC Park. Against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday afternoon, the Mets were able to emerge victorious thanks for some late clutch hitting and just enough from the bullpen. Specifically, with help from […]

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After a stretch of three-straight losses, the New York Mets were hoping to create a streak going in the other direction on Sunday at PNC Park. Against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday afternoon, the Mets were able to emerge victorious thanks for some late clutch hitting and just enough from the bullpen. Specifically, with help from Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz bouncing back in the ninth inning, New York earned the slim 3-2 decision.

The late-game chaos started with a peculiar decision by manager Carlos Mendoza. That specific decision was to bring closer Edwin Díaz into the game with two outs and two on in the eighth inning. Dedniel Núñez battled back after allowing two base hits to strikeout Bryan Reynolds for the inning’s second out. Instead of allowing Núñez to attempt to wiggle himself out of trouble, Mendoza called upon Díaz for the game’s final four outs.

Díaz promptly served up a four-pitch walk and two-run single giving the Pirates the 2-1 lead. Díaz, like Núñez, pitched on Saturday, his first appearance since his 10-game suspension concluded. Luckily, after Mendoza stuck to his guns, Díaz rebounded after the Mets regained the lead in the top of the ninth inning to earn the win.

Elsewhere on the mound, Sean Manaea continued his terrific season as he made his 17th start of the season. He tossed six scoreless frames, allowing only two hits to go along with six strikeouts. Manaea only allowed four hard-hit balls, lowering his season ERA to 3.43. He has now only allowed one earned run over his last 18 innings.

Reed Garrett tossed a scoreless seventh inning, thanks in large part to a double play, as he pitched for a second-straight day.

The Mets’ offense had an interesting day. After stranding runners in scoring position in two different innings, they finally broke through in the eighth. Brandon Nimmo came through with a clutch two-out double which scored Francisco Lindor giving the Mets a 1-0 lead.

After the blown save by Díaz, the Mets responded quickly in the top of the ninth inning. New York loaded the bases against Aroldis Chapman; this thanks to great at-bats by Francisco Alvarez and José Iglesias, who both worked out walks. Lindor then came to the plate and lined a two-out and eventual game-winning single to left field.

Thanks to the win, the Mets are once again at .500 with a 44-44 record. They have also guaranteed a series split with Pittsburgh entering the fourth and final game in Pittsburgh tomorrow.

Statistic of the Game: 6.85 ERA

For whatever reason, the New York Mets have owned veteran closer Aroldis Chapman. Through 22 1/3 innings against the Mets, Chapman has posted a 6.85 ERA. The team that Chapman has struggled the most against outside the Mets; the Houston Astros, who Chapman has a career 5.55 ERA against.

Player of the Game: Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor continued his under-the-radar stellar season. Lindor reached base for times on Sunday, posting a 3-for-4 day with two RBIs and his 26th double of the season. His last hit of the game was a two-run single that scored the eventual game-winning run; it came with two outs.

Lindor entered the game trailing only Elly De La Cruz among National League shortstops in fWAR. He is very deserving of his first All-Star game nod while in a Mets uniform.

On Deck

The Mets continue their set with the Pittsburgh Pirates with a series finale tomorrow afternoon. First pitch at PNC Park is slated for 12:35 pm ET with the probable pitching matchup being Christian Scott versus Mitch Keller.

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