The Mets got another fine outing from Marcus Stroman (6.1 IP, 1 ER on 4 hits), more solid relief pitching (2.2 IP, 1 ER), and ninth inning heroics from Dom Smith ( game-tying RBI), RBI machine Patrick Mazeika (game winning fielder’s choice) and Jonathan Villar, who's speed beat the throw home for the winning run against Baltimore closer Cesar Valdez.
After Smith laced a single to right-center with one out in the ninth to knot the game at 2, third-string catcher Mazeika came up with Villar at 3rd and a chance to win the game. After 8 pitches, the pinch hitter hit a sharp grounder to first base, scoring the speedy Villar, who beat the throw after running on contact.
Mazeika has three career at-bats, two walk-offs, and zero hits He becomes the first MLB player to have three RBI before he got his first career hit since Cincinnati's Joe Brovia in 1955, perStats by STATS.
The Mets victory featured numerous contributions from players not envisioned as starting players when the season began. Pillar got the 9th started with a leadoff single ,Villar followed with a key hit before scoring the winning run, and Mazeika put the ball in play to make it all happen. In addition, Tomas Nido scored the Mets’ first run of the game after drawing a walk in the 8th,and Jose Peraza delivered a key hit in the 6th. The roster is deeper than it’s been in years.
Series Finale: For the first time in three years, Matt Harvey is returning to the Citi Field mound today at 12:10 p.m., facing off against Taijuan Walker. Harvey is pitching well as the Orioles’ #2 starter, compiling a 3-2 record and 3.60 ERA and Walker has been strong for the Mets, to the tune of a 2-1 record, 2.38 ERA, and increased velocity on all five of his pitches.
In a few Injury updates: Manager Luis Rojas updated the media on several injured players on Tuesday. He indicated Brandon Nimmo(left index finger bruise) is closest to returning.J.D. Davis(left hand sprain) and Luis Guillorme are progressing but probably won’t be ready to return when first eligible to come off the IL later this week
Jacob deGrom isoptimistic he will only miss one start from his right side tightness. He Said Monday that his biggest concern is fixing his delivery: “Having looked at it the past couple days, my direction to the plate, noticing I was underneath the baseball and looking at a couple positions that I’m in before release.” The Mets called up RHP Sean Reid-Foley after officially moving deGrom to the 10-Day IL.