Baez, Davis Spark Mets to 7-2 Win Over Dodgers

Finally got one.

The Mets defeated the Dodgers 7-2 on Sunday for their first, and only, win of the season against Los Angeles. They narrowly avoid back-to-back sweeps.

New York wrapped up its brutal California road trip 2-5 to the Giants and Dodgers. The lone positive being the return of shortstop Javier Baez, who provided a much-needed shot in the arm to the anemic offense.

Baez’s return moved the needle for the Mets as they brought home three runs in the top of the first inning. Brandon Nimmo‘s leadoff walk would actually result in the center fielder touching home plate. Baez took the fourth pitch he saw from Price to the wall, doubling home a run. Baez would complete his trip around the bases, scoring on a single by J.D. Davis.

Davis scored the third run after a single by Jonathan Villar.

Mets starter Marcus Stroman must have been glad to see some runs put up for him. Stroman has been struck with a 9-12 record despite an ERA under 3.00. The 30-year-old sparkled his first time through the order, the lone hit going to opposing starter David Price.

Stroman couldn’t keep the Dodgers offense completely silenced. Cody Bellinger singled home a pair to bring Los Angeles within one in the fourth.

Stroman ended his day after six innings, four hits, two earned runs, two walks, and six strikeouts. He went o-for-3 at the plate, including a decision by Luis Rojas to have him bat with two outs and runners on second and third in the top of the sixth.

The Mets had Davis and Jeff McNeil in scoring position with zero outs but Villar and Kevin Pillar couldn’t drive them home. Patrick Mazeika was intentionally walked to bring Stroman up. He grounded into a forceout at the plate.

But Rojas’ decision worked. Stroman fired another scoreless inning and the Mets would increase their lead the next inning. Baez hit his second double of the day and was driven in again by Davis. Davis’ two-run home run put the Mets up three for its bullpen to hold.

New York used Jeurys Familia, Trevor May, and Edwin Diaz to stave off the Dodgers’ efforts.

Familia allowed a double and struck out one. May set down the top of the Los Angeles lineup in order.

The Mets tacked on two more runs in the top of the ninth. Shane Greene allowed one hit, hit two batters, and walked one. Davis was the recipient of the Mets’ 14th bases-loaded walk this season, also his fourth RBI of the afternoon. McNeil beat out a double-play attempt to score Pete Alonso against new pitcher Victor Gonzalez.

Diaz made his first appearance in this series. With a five-run lead, he retired his three batters on 11 pitches.

New York has a day off Monday. They’ll enter the final series of their 13-game stretch against the Dodgers and Giants on Tuesday at Citi Field. Tylor Megill will start, the Giants starter is TBA.