FLUSHING, NY — New York Mets’ Dominican outfielder Starling Marte didn’t start the game on Monday night, but he ended it as a hero, coming off the bench to deliver a walk-off single down the left field line in the 10th for a 2-1 win against Washington Nationals reliever Jacob Barnes. The Mets chased Marte into the outfield and once again, the celebration was on in Citi Field.
Mets OF Starling Marte with the walk-off single to win it in extras! #LGM pic.twitter.com/ZD6wjU6VYe
— Latino Sports (@LatinoSports) September 17, 2024
Mets’ manager Carlos Mendoza told Marte to be prepared to get a big at-bat in the game. Marte pinch hit for second baseman Eddy Alvarez and came up empty earlier in the game with a ground out in the eighth with the score tied at 1-1.
“Marte got drilled the other day and he was pretty sore… watching him go through the pregame routine I told him to be ready,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told the media in his post-game press conference. “He’s been a pretty good player in this league for a long time and when he’s healthy he is dangerous.”
Mendoza feels confident in all his players and last night, it was Marte’s turn to keep the good time rolling at Citi Field. It’s been a frustrating year for the 35-year-old, Santo Domingo, D.R. native, who has only played 84 games due to various injuries and the logjam in the Mets’ outfield. His numbers this year are seven home runs, 38 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and an OPS of .721 in 305 at-bats.
John Gibbons and Carlos Mendoza greet Starling Marte at the top step of the Mets’ dugout at Citi Field – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
“He’s been through a lot. What happened to him (Marte) last year and this year and he missed two months on the IL,” Mendoza stated. ‘He wants to play every day. I appreciate his professionalism.. the fact that when he’s not in the lineup he’s finding a way to be ready when his name is called. It says a lot about him as a person and a player and how much he wants to win.”
The crowd was on pins and needles all night hoping not to blow a golden opportunity against a Nationals team that has been eliminated from postseason contention. Moreover, the Mets couldn’t afford to lose Monday’s game because they are in an intense playoff race with their National League East rivals the Atlanta Braves for the third and final spot in the NL Wild Card.
The Braves’ 9-0 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday, allowed the Mets to regain a one-game lead with 12 games left to play.
The final spot in the NL Wild Card could come down to two NL East division teams in the Braves and Mets – Image Credit: Simon Lindenblatt/Latino Sports
New York’s left-handed starting pitcher Sean Manaea did everything he could to keep the Mets in the game with seven innings of one-run ball and six strikeouts. The southpaw has been the best-starting pitcher on their staff and has now pitched seven innings or more in eight of his last nine starts. If the Mets have the luxury to set up their postseason rotation, Manaea has earned the right to take the ball in game one.
Nationals’ starting pitcher Jake Irving also had his way with the Mets, pitching 7.1 innings with just one run allowed and five strikeouts. José Iglesias hit an infield single in the eighth to tie the game.
Tied up! pic.twitter.com/jNsiooZaBw
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 17, 2024
The Cuban Iglesias has a knack for coming up big in crucial situations with his hitting, defense, and speed on the bases.
The Mets’ bullpen also allowed them to stay in the game with three scoreless innings. José Butto took care of the eighth. 2022 LatinoMVP National League Reliever/Closer of the Year Edwin Diaz, handled the ninth with a scoreless frame and a strikeout.
Let’s go Sugar 🔥 @SugarDiaz39 pic.twitter.com/StWb45PRSG
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 17, 2024
Mets’ Venezuelan rookie infielder Luisangel Acuña younger, brother of Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (2023 NL LatinoMVP) came into the game as a defensive replacement. He recorded four of the six outs in the ninth and 10th to help secure the win.
“Acuña coming into the game and making those plays look really easy in a big spot that says a lot,” Mendoza said. “A young kid that was put into that situation”
Luisangel Acuña entered the game at shortstop for the Mets in the 9th inning after not being in the starting lineup
He calmly handled his business and recorded 4 of the final 6 outs in a Mets win pic.twitter.com/AIsEdZ5peY
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 17, 2024
The magic ride will continue for the Mets tonight when New York plays the second game of their series against the Nationals at 7:10 p.m. ET at Citi Field.
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