Edwin Díaz Blows First Save Since 2022, Mets Swept By Rays

Following losses in the initial two games of the series, the New York Mets (16-18) aimed to clinch victory in the Sunday afternoon finale against the Tampa Bay Rays. While the offense managed to score when necessary, it fell short as the bullpen faltered in the late stages, resulting in a 7-6 defeat and a sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Right from the start, Francisco Lindor gave the Mets an early lead by smacking his sixth homer of the season off Ryan Pepiot, the Rays’ starter, putting New York ahead 2-0. The Mets’ offense shouldered much of the workload, with Brandon Nimmo and Omar Narváez contributing base hits, while D.J. Stewart drew a crucial bases-loaded walk, accounting for five runs. In the third inning, Starling Marte‘s line drive ricocheted off Pepiot, forcing the Rays’ starter to exit the game.

Pete Alonso had a tough outing, going hitless in five at-bats and grounding into a double play with runners in scoring position. The Mets stranded 13 runners in total, managing just four hits in 16 opportunities with runners in scoring position. Another area of struggle was in defense against stolen bases, as Tampa Bay successfully stole six bases, three against each of catchers Tomás Nido and Omar Narváez.

Luis Severino took the mound for the Mets and delivered a performance that was enough to keep his team in the game. Despite throwing 98 pitches, he surrendered four runs on four hits, tallying six strikeouts and six walks. Jorge López and Reed Garrett each pitched an inning, recording a strikeout apiece to maintain the tied score. Sean Reid-Foley entered the game in the eighth inning and benefited from a double play, as Starling Marte doubled off a Rays runner at first base on a fly ball to right field.

Entering the game in the ninth, Edwin Díaz faced a critical moment but unfortunately surrendered a game-tying home run to Randy Arozarena with two outs. This marked Diaz’s first blown save since May 24, 2022.

In the top of the tenth, Brandon Nimmo hustled down the line to beat out an infield single, driving in Harrison Bader, who started as the ghost runner. Initially ruled out, an umpire review revealed that Rays’ first baseman Yandy Díaz hadn’t maintained possession of the ball, resulting in Nimmo being ruled safe at first.

Taking over on the mound the following frame, Jake Diekman encountered immediate trouble in the bottom of the tenth, allowing a walk and witnessing the ghost runner steal third base, setting up an instant rally for Tampa Bay. Diekman failed to record an out as Johnny DeLuca delivered a triple to center field, bringing home the two baserunners. Harrison Bader’s diving attempt to catch the ball fell short, rolling past him to the wall, allowing the runner from first to complete the score.

Statistic of the Game: Edwin Díaz Blows First Save In Over A Year

Sunday saw Edwin Diaz’s consecutive save streak broken at 26 as he gave up a game-tying home run to Randy Arozarena. It’s his first blown save since May of 2022.

Player of The Game: Francisco Lindor

Francisco Lindor continued his hot hitting, as he went 2-for-6 with a home run and two RBIs. Lindor has slowly turned it on the last few weeks. This includes his two-double showing against the Cubs on Thursday.

On Deck

The Mets look to bounce back in the win column as they travel to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals on Monday night. Sean Manaea (1-1, 3.07 ERA) will take the mound for New York against Kyle Gibson (2-2, 3.79 ERA). First pitch is at 7:45 pm ET and will be broadcast on SNY and WCBS 880 AM.