Mets closer Jeurys Familia set a franchise record for saves in a single season on Wednesday night, pitching a perfect ninth inning to seal the team’s 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins at Citi Field.
Familia earned his 44th save and surpassed the previous record of 43 held by himself and Armando Benitez who set the mark back in 2001.
“I just want to thank God for giving me the ability and having me healthy these couple years,” Familia said. “And then I want to say thank you to everybody in this room — my teammates, my coaches. That’s it. I’m so happy right now.”
Familia has saved 97 games for the Mets since becoming the team’s closer in 2015, ranking second in major league baseball in that span.
“I think the most important thing is to be consistent,” Familia said. “No matter what happens the night before just try to be consistent and make quality pitches.”
Manager Terry Collins knows what an integral part his All Star closer is to their playoff chances. “We’re in the hunt now because of him and we got to the World Series last year because of him.”
The current MLB saves leader, Familia owns a 2.60 ERA and 1.203 WHIP in 64 relief appearances with 66 strikeouts. Still just 26-years old, Familia has quickly established himself as one of the greatest closers in Mets franchise history.
Original Report – Aug 31
Last night, Jeurys Familia recorded his 43rd save of the season tying the Mets single season record while continuing to set the pace for the record for most saves in consecutive seasons.
The first to record 43 saves in a season was Armando Benitez in 2001. In addition to those 43 saves, Benitez went 6-4 with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.297 WHIP. Notably, Benitez blew a save in late September of that season against the Braves derailing the Mets chances of winning the National League East.
The second to record 43 saves in a season was Jeurys Familia last year. Last year, Familia was thrust in the role due to both Jenrry Mejia‘s injuries and his PED suspensions. In addition to the 43 saves, Familia was 2-2 with an astounding 1.85 ERA and a 1.000 WHIP.
This season, Familia has been terrific even if he has not been quite as great as he was last year. In addition to the 43 saves, Familia is 2-4 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.223 WHIP. Familia’s 43 saves is the most in the major leagues this season.
With 30 games left in the season, Familia is almost assured to break his and Benitez’s single season saves record. In the interim, he will continue to set the pace for the most saves by a Mets closer in consecutive seasons. The previous record was held by Benitez who had recorded 84 saves between the 2000 – 2001 seasons.
