After being handcuffed by Pablo Lopez for eight innings, the Mets broke thru for two runs in the ninth versus the Twins’ pen, leading to a 2-0 win Sunday afternoon in Minnesota. The win kept the Mets from being swept in the series.
Francisco Lindor led off the ninth inning with a bloop double to left field and Jeff McNeil followed with a HBP. After a strikeout by Pete Alonso, DJ Stewart came thru with a two-run double to break the tie.
Adam Ottavino put on two runners in the bottom of the ninth but got a strikeout and grounder to end the game and pick up his ninth save of the season.
It was an excellent day for the pen, which had four relievers combine to give four shutout innings, after Tylor Megill threw five shutout innings of his own to start the game.
Lopez fanned 14, allowed just two hits and no walks but ended up with a no-decision.
Gut Reaction: very good pitching from both sides today. Stewart has impressed. It’s only 102 AB’s. Though, he is a homerun threat throughout in his career. He is pre-arb so it is a no-brainer to give him an active roster spot.
Megill pitching has been good recently. He could be a long reliever/spot starter on the pitching staff. The Mets should use one or two long relievers instead of the “option” relievers that they incorporated this year. It would more stable for the team.
Nice game, nice win.