The Mets blew a 3-0 lead but Francisco Alvarez made sure that they didn’t lose the game, as he delivered his first walk-off hit, a 421-foot homer, giving the club a 4-3 win in the opening game of the three-game series against the Orioles. With the Braves having the night off, the Mets pulled within 1.5 games of Atlanta for the third Wild Card spot.
The relievers for the Orioles had completely handcuffed the Mets, striking out nine of the 11 batters they faced at one point. But Alvarez’ blast flipped the tables. It was the sixth homer of the year for Alvarez and his first blast since July 26.
David Peterson completed seven innings for the first time this year but did not factor into the decision. He allowed an unearned run – due to his errant pickoff throw – in the fifth inning and two runs in the seventh. With a runner on third, he was called for a balk to cut the lead to one and on the very next pitch, he served up a gopher ball to tie the game.
While his outing didn’t end on a high note, it was a good game for Peterson, who walked only one batter (the leadoff man of the game) and struck out eight.
Jose Butto had a scoreless eighth inning and Edwin Diaz had a 1-2-3 ninth to earn the win. He’s now 4-1 on the season, with a 3.50 ERA.
The Mets are now 26-35 against teams .500 or better and 65-60 overall.
What a lift for Alvarez and the team. Strong outing by Peterson and it looked like he would get out of that inning. Surprised Butto didn’t get another inning. Diaz worked a great 9th. JD with a big bang. Big win over a very good team. Quintana for the series win tomorrow night.
Turned on the game just as Jesse Winker was striking out for the first out of the ninth and it was great to hear Darling and Hernandez want Alvarez to take 3-0 because he wasn’t going well. But, boy what a celebration that turning into.
I expect a great start from Quintana if he has his control. The Orioles are young and talented but may be a bit overaggressive, and veteran pitcher with guile can take advantage of that. With Austin Riley of the Braves out til the end of the season, the Mets have a chance to pass them, the DBacks (who are coming down to earth quickly) and if they can have some consistency in their production, pass the Padres for the top spot and have the first round played in Queens.
Very big win. They all are at this point. Mets pulled out a tight one late, basically because they ran into a fastball, but they’ll take it any way. Nice work by Peterson, who was a balk and a poor pick off throw away from a gem.
Gut Reaction: Peterson pitched a very good game with length and command. Peterson said in the post game that the pitch clock was expiring so he rushed the pitch, instead he balked in the run . He said he should have stepped off instead. The next pitch, he threw a gopher ball and denied him the personal win. The lesson was learned.