The Mets snapped their three-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park.
Here are some takeaways...
- The Mets left runners in scoring position in each of the first two innings to open the game, but they were finally able to break through in the third, as Luis Torrens stepped in with the bases loaded and laced a two-out bases-clearing double into the left-center gap. Torrens continues swinging a terrific bat since joining New York in a deal with the Yankees, finishing the afternoon 3-for-4 with three RBI.
- David Peterson did well to dance around danger over the first four innings, including working out of a one out bases loaded jam with two massive strikeouts in the second. Pittsburgh was finally able to get to him a few innings later, though, as slugger Oneil Cruz lined a two-run homer to cut into the lead. The lefty pitched into the fifth but was pulled for Jose Butto with just 87 pitches after allowing a one out single to the scorching hot Bryan Reynolds. Peterson allowed just the two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out five across 4.2 innings of work.
- Butto stepped up and provided the Mets' bullpen with a much-needed strong outing, tossing 1.2 perfect innings behind Peterson. The young right-hander was likely pulled so that he could be available over the next few days, but he has been spectacular over his first two appearances since rejoining the team as a long-man in relief.
- Reed Garrett was bailed out big time by home plate ump John Tumpane in the bottom of the seventh. With the bases loaded and two outs the righty threw what appeared to be ball four, however it was called a strike and instead of forcing in a run, the pinch-hitting Jack Suwinski struck out swinging on the next pitch. Garrett allowed two walks and a hit but he was able to work his way out of danger with a little help.
- Edwin Diaz passed his stick stuff check this time around and he picked up right where he left off before his suspension, securing his eighth save of the season with an easy ninth inning. Getting their star closer back in his dominant form down the stretch will be a huge boost for the Mets' bullpen, which posted the worst ERA in baseball with him sidelined.
- Jose Iglesias was back in the starting lineup against the left-hander and he drove in another run with an RBI double down the left field line in the top of the sixth. The veteran infielder is now hitting .467 with runners in scoring position and he has a strong .863 OPS since being called up from Triple-A Syracuse.
MVP of the game: Torrens
Torrens has been spectacular since being picked up in a trade with the Yankees and he had his hands all over this one by driving in three runs and reaching base as many times.
The veteran now has a .974 OPS in orange and blue while also playing his usual stellar defense behind the plate.