Mets Turn to Unlikely Heroes in Tight Game

The Mets faced a tough situation as they sought options for their pitching lineup.

Ultimately, Justin Hagenman and Austin Warren managed to endure six innings, giving up five runs. However, Huascar Brazobán shone brightly, going seven innings and striking out three batters, proving to be the standout on the mound.

Complications arose when they couldn’t use Ryne Stanek for consecutive games. Asking Edwin Diaz to pitch for a third straight day didn’t feel right, so instead, they aimed to save Brandon Waddell for Sunday’s start. Their bullpen comprised newcomers Rico Garcia and Chris Devensky, who had just signed, in addition to Reed Garrett, who seemed to be feeling the effects of previous outings.

Carlos Mendoza made the call to go with Garrett, allowing him to save the day and avoid using a fifth pitcher in this game.

Garrett had faced a challenging outing against the Brewers days earlier, surrendering eight runs in just a little over three innings. Yet, he managed to redeem himself, securing the last six outs in a narrow 6-5 victory over the Mets at Citifield. “I think we really showed our resilience as a team last month. If you push us back into a corner, we tend to bounce back,” Garrett commented, perhaps reflecting on his own journey as well.

Tied with Brazobán for the most appearances this season, Garrett’s recent performance saw him burning through 21 pitches during his previous struggle. He entered the eighth inning after Jeff McNeill had put the Mets ahead with a home run.

Facing Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr. (who managed a single), Paul Goldschmidt, and Ben Rice, Garrett required just 14 pitches to get through them, returning to the dugout where he chatted with Mendoza. “I was seriously contemplating leaving the field before he could take me out,” Garrett laughed.

Garrett assured Mendoza he felt physically capable to continue, and the manager decided to take it one batter at a time. “Give me everything you’ve got,” Mendoza urged, a request Garrett honored.

As Aaron Judge approached in the ninth, there was palpable tension; one misplaced pitch could allow a Yankee on base.

Trent Grisham popped out, DJ LeMahieu was denied a hit thanks to an incredible diving stop by McNeill, and Jasson Domínguez grounded out. Garrett anticipated a tricky bounce on Domínguez’s ground ball, but was relieved when McNeill fielded it cleanly.

Garrett celebrated as Pete Alonso caught McNeill’s throw. “Getting those last six outs was crucial for me,” Garrett reflected after nailing down his third save this season. “It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward.”

When asked what he would have done if Garrett hadn’t been able to finish the ninth, Mendoza chuckled, “I’m just glad we didn’t have to make that call.”