FLUSHING, NY — The Arizona Diamondbacks left Queens with a statement series win over the New York Mets earlier this week, taking two of three at Citi Field while continuing to build early-season momentum through timely hitting and late-game execution.
The series opened with a spark for New York on Tuesday night, as the Mets secured a 4–3 extra-innings victory behind a walk-off hit from Ronny Mauricio. The win reflected a team still searching for consistency but capable of grinding out results when needed. However, even in victory, missed opportunities lingered such as leaving eight on base as a team and going 2-7 with runners in scoring position.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged those struggles postgame, noting, “We hit some balls hard, we created traffic, but we just couldn’t get the big one when we needed to.”
While the Mets managed to come away with the win, Mendoza’s comments foreshadowed challenges that would resurface as the series progressed.
That momentum quickly shifted.
Arizona responded Wednesday in the middle game of the series with a decisive 7–2 win, fueled by a relentless and balanced offensive approach. Led by Ketel Marte (1-5 with one RBI) and Corbin Carroll (3-5 with two RBI) at the top of the lineup, the Diamondbacks consistently applied pressure, exposing inconsistencies in New York’s pitching staff. Their ability to string together quality at-bats proved to be the difference.
Ketel Marte and the Diamondbacks battled the elements of cold weather this week in Queens and took two out of three vs. the Mets – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Following the win, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo credited both his starter Eduardo Rodríguez and the lineup’s collective effort.
For the Venezuelan left-hander, Lovullo described his outing as “outstanding,” adding “he set the tone for us.”
Eduardo Rodriguez provided Arizona with length Thursday night at Citi Field, pitching six innings of one run ball vs. the Mets with three strikeouts – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Lovullo also emphasized the team’s offensive rhythm, stating, “We were able to string some good at-bats together,” as Arizona broke the game open late.
The rubber match on Thursday ultimately told the story of the series.
Mets rookie Nolan McLean delivered an impressive outing (6.1 innings pitched, two earned runs allowed on three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts), giving New York a chance to secure the series with a poised, high-strikeout performance. For much of the night, the right-hander matched Arizona pitch for pitch, keeping the game within reach and showing composure beyond his experience.
Despite the strong start, the game unraveled after his exit with the bullpen surrendering five runs. Reflecting on the situation, McLean remained confident in his teammates, saying, “It’s part of the game… It’s a long season. I know those guys have got my back out there.” A sign of confidence from the young right-hander in a high-pressure moment. Once again, the Mets’ relief pitching faltered late.
Arizona capitalized in the later innings, turning a tight contest into a comfortable win with a multi-run surge that silenced the Citi Field crowd. The Diamondbacks’ ability to execute in key moments proved decisive, reinforcing a theme that carried throughout the series.
Corbin Carroll and the Diamondbacks are now off to Philadelphia for a three game weekend series with the Phillies – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
For the Mets (7-6), facing the Athletics this weekend in Queens, the series exposed familiar concerns. Despite flashes of strong starting pitching, the team struggled to deliver offensively in key situations while continuing to battle inconsistency out of the bullpen.
Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, a two-time LatinoMVP Award winner, remains in an early-season slump, and the lineup as a whole, without superstar Juan Soto, winning the LatinoMVP in back-to-back seasons (2025 & 2024) and 2021, due to a calf injury, has yet to find sustained rhythm.
The Mets placed Juan Soto (three-time LatinoMVP Award winner) on the injured list on April 6th due to a calf strain – Image Credit: Al Pereira/Latino Sports
Arizona (7-6), meanwhile, departed Queens for Philadelphia next up, looking like a team beginning to click. With contributions coming from throughout the lineup and a bullpen that delivered when needed, the Diamondbacks showcased both depth and composure.
In the end, the series served as a clear contrast—one team finding its stride, and another still searching for answers as the season begins to take shape.
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