Adam Ottavino overcame a bases-loaded, seven-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth inning on Thursday to secure the Mets their first shutout win of the season.
Carlos Mendoza had to close with bullpen pitcher Edwin Diaz as Ottavino allowed a single, a hit by pitch and one walk (and two wild pitches) in his second consecutive adventurous outing.
Both Mendoza and Ottavino chose to highlight the three strikeouts the right-hander got to get through the scoreless inning.
“Adam pitched well against some good left-handed hitters,” Mendoza said. “He’s in a tough spot right now. He got in a tough spot today and he got out of it.”
“I thought he didn’t back down. He was a lot more confident, especially with the bases loaded. … We’ve seen that before, we saw it earlier this year. I’m confident he’ll get back on track quickly.”
Ottavino has a 4.89 ERA in 36 appearances this season, allowing two earned runs while recording one out in his last appearance on Tuesday.
“I don’t think I’m going to be out. I feel like I pitched poorly in my last game, but I was playing pretty well before that,” said Ottavino, who had allowed an earned run in two of his 12 games prior to Tuesday. “I wasn’t perfect, but I believe in myself, so I’m just going to throw strike one to the next batter I face and go from there.”
“The funny thing is, over the years of my career, [Thursday’s game]”That’s my type of innings, where I get myself in a pinch and I strike out. I haven’t been striking out all year. It worked out well for me today and I felt good getting out.”
