MIAMI — Edwin Diaz thought he had the start of a game-ending double play.
But when the Mets closer caught Brian de la Cruz’s grounder in the top of the ninth inning Monday and turned toward second base, he noticed no one covering the base.
Diaz changed direction and threw to first base, but it was too late.
The Marlins had a chance to score with the bases loaded and one out after a single and a walk earlier.
Diaz survived by allowing just one run and earned the save in the Mets’ 6-4 win over the Marlins.
“I wasn’t nervous,” Diaz said. “I was throwing my fastball and I felt great. I had a lot of momentum on the ball today and I just couldn’t control it. I think that’s why I wasn’t able to throw strikes and that’s why I got into a tough spot.”
With the bases loaded, Diaz got Josh Bell to ground out and Jeff McNeil thought about throwing to second base to start a game-ending double play, but instead opted to go the safe route and get the out at first, scoring the run.
Diaz then got Jake Berger out to end the game with runners on second and third.
Diaz went 2-for-2 in the series and recorded the save.
During the Mets’ last trip to South Florida, the right-hander gave up four runs in the ninth inning on May 18, his most of the season.
The Mets lost in 10 innings.
“I had some bad games here early in the season,” Diaz said, “but I always give it my all. I went in with the mentality of getting outs and winning in the second half, and that’s what I’m doing now.”
Mark Vientos was removed from the starting lineup the previous night after being hit in the helmet by a throw from catcher Nick Fortes while diving back to first base for an interception.
Mendoza indicated he would like Vientos to be evaluated over the course of a day of pre-match training.
Jose Iglesias (1-for-3, RBI) started at third base in place of Vientos.
Mendoza did not say for sure that Kodai Senga would officially join the starting rotation, but all signs point to the right-hander making his season debut on Friday against the Braves at Citi Field.
Senga is scheduled to pitch in the bullpen on Tuesday.
“Everything is going well so we should be OK on Friday,” Mendoza said.
DJ Stewart (0-for-2, walked two) is slowly showing positive signs for the Mets.
The left-hander has reached base five times in his past three games and started in right field in Monday’s game.
Stewart entered the game with a .533 OPS since June 1st.
“I like the position he’s in right now and I feel comfortable having him there,” Mendoza said.
