Author: David Melendi

Tong Shines in Debut as Mets Cruise to 19-9 Win Over Marlins

The Mets have had a season’s worth of highs and lows just this month. A seven-game losing streak that put them on the cusp of falling out of playoff position, the debut and dominance of Nolan McLean, the injuries to Francisco Alvarez and a sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies that was followed by perhaps the sloppiest loss of the year on Thursday. Jonah Tong offered a chance for another high...

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Tong Recounts Getting Called to The Show

Jonah Tong had just finished throwing a bullpen and was looking at a replay of one of his sliders when Triple-A Syracuse manager Dick Scott had a question for him. “You ready to start Friday?” the manager asked, according to Tong, who was asked by reporters Thursday about the moment he found out he earned the biggest promotion of his career. “And I’m like, ‘Ready as...

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Tong Rides Fastball, Special Delivery From Canada to Queens

Jonah Tong impressed the Mets enough in 30 innings pitched during his senior year in high school to get selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Three years later, two starts at Triple-A Syracuse were enough to earn him a call to the big leagues. He will debut Friday at Citi Field against the Marlins. Of course, there was plenty of work in between. Tong, 22, started the year at Double-A...

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Díaz Outduels Duran in Battle of Closers

With the game hanging in the balance, both teams summoned their flamethrowing closers. Edwin Díaz set down all five Phillies he faced, while Jhoan Duran allowed four straight Mets to reach base. Diaz (6-2) entered a 5-5 game with one out in the eighth inning after Ryan Helsley had given up a game-tying, two-run homer to Harrison Bader and walked Bryson Stott. “You know I just try to stay...

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The Mets Are Suddenly Coming Through in Key Spots

Mark Vientos doubled with two outs and a runner on third in the fourth inning. Then Brandon Nimmo singled him home. After a Tyrone Taylor walk, Jeff McNeil singled in another run. Those were three of 11 hits with runners in scoring position in a 13-3 victory Monday over the Phillies that delighted the 41,983 at Citi Field who saw the Mets (70-61) pull within six games of first place with 31...

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