The past two days have been disappointing for the Mets, and while the offense was largely to blame, their relief pitchers also underperformed and led to some heartbreaking losses.
Monday night produced a different outcome that would not have been possible without the perfect work of three key relief pitchers.
Jose Butto, Edwin Diaz and Reid Garrett all pitched impressive shutout innings as the Mets beat the pesky Nationals, 2-1, in 10 innings to retake the lead in the race for the final National League wild card spot.
“At the end of the day it's about pitching and continuing to attack, executing, staying on top of things and not giving up, and that's what they did today,” coach Carlos Mendoza said.
Diaz gave up a walk-off hit to JT Realmuto on Sunday, and Garrett gave up a game-winning, two-run double to Cal Stevenson on Saturday.
Both pitchers felt that although they delivered quality pitches, it didn't lead to the results they wanted.
But both players were in top form to open a seven-game homestand at Citi Field.
Diaz led off the ninth inning with a single, then struck out Jose Tena to close out the inning with the leadoff run on third base.
Garrett's work was the most impressive of the three.
He left an automatic runner on second base.
After the Nationals bunted Tena to third base, Garrett got both Keivert Lewis and Jacob Young out on grounders to shortstop.
He celebrated the final out with the crowd as he ran off the field.
“I think when you have a guy on second base in extra innings, it's really tough to not let them score,” Garrett said. “Obviously, tonight, we worked hard all night. We kept playing defense play by play. Sean [Manaea] It was a really good pitch. When I stepped on the court, I was just emotional. Now our guys have a chance to win. Let's forget about this and celebrate in the clubhouse.”
It's been an up-and-down season for Garrett.
He started very well but then struggled and spent a month on the disabled list with inflammation in his right elbow.
But since returning in early August, he's been excellent, giving up just three runs and striking out 17 in 13 1/3 innings.
“I'm healthy, that's all I can say,” he said.
