A bullpen blew a lead and late-game heroics led to a win, but the New York Mets were on the right side this time, topping their NYC rivals.
A bullpen blew a lead in the eighth inning on Tuesday night at Citi Field. In an even bigger miracle than the 1969’s world champions’ return last weekend, the hometown New York Mets somehow avoided the familiar fate.
The Mets ensured at least a tie in the 2019 Subway Series saga, defeating the New York Yankees 4-2. They trailed a majority of the game, but staged a comeback in the final stanzas.
Down 2-1, the Mets (39-47) had previously mustered only a solo home run from J.D. Davis. Trailing only 2-1, the task of a comeback seemed daunting against a fearsome Yankee bullpen. James Paxton did his job for the Yankees (54-29), going six innings and allowing only the Davis blemish.
It's outta here! @JDDavis26 gets us on the board. #LGM pic.twitter.com/dSviWPYNte
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 3, 2019
Paxton otherwise held the Mets in check, throwing six innings of one-run ball. He did get some help from his fielders, including Gleyber Torres. The second baseman robbed Michael Conforto of a run-scoring hit to start a second inning-ending double play.
High quality leather. pic.twitter.com/HuGy0GQlL4
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 3, 2019
The starting left-hander also contributed to his own cause in the top of the second, the only frame that saw the Yankees score. After Torres’ RBI single scored Didi Gregorius, Paxton came to bat in a National League park. He laid down a bunt against Mets starter Zack Wheeler, one that scored Edwin Encarnacion with the fielders’ attention on first base.
Wheeler wound up going 6 1/3 innings, striking out eight in a no-decision.
After they were limited to a perfect seventh against Tommy Kahnle, the Mets did their damage against Adam Ottavino (L, 3-3). Pete Alonso reached first on a DJ LeMahieu throwing error and was immediately driven home on a deep Davis double that a diving Aaron Hicks just missed.
.@JDDavis26 Just Delivers. ? ? ? pic.twitter.com/CP8QOjSxP7
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 3, 2019
Ottavino intentionally walked Robinson Cano before allowing a bases-loading single to Wilson Ramos. Zack Britton came on in relief, but Conforto launched his first pitch to the left-center field wall, scoring two to complete the 4-2 margin.
Michael's mayhem. ??? #MetsWin pic.twitter.com/lpv8vK0sgz
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 3, 2019
Edwin Diaz allowed a leadoff single to open the ninth, but settled down to preserve the win. His 18th save of the year ended with a Brett Gardner foul tip, one juggled by Ramos three times before gaining possession.
The Wilson Ramos School for Gifted Jugglers is now accepting applicants.
(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/vqlXevQFLn
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 3, 2019
Seth Lugo (W, 4-2) pitched a scoreless eighth to earn the win. In the loss, the Yankees’ MLB-record 31 straight games with at least one home run came to an end.
On Wednesday, the Mets will look to capture their first Subway Series win over the Yankees since 2013 (7:00 p.m. ET, SNY/YES/ESPN). Domingo German (9-2, 3.86 ERA) will start for the Yankees. It will be his first appearance since June 7. Jason Vargas (3-3, 3.66 ERA) will counter for the Mets.
