PHOENIX — On Wednesday, Edwin Diaz was called upon to secure a four-out save, leading the Mets into the desert night, only to face a devastating defeat against the Diamondbacks.
Reverting to his struggles from earlier in the season—specifically May, when everything went wrong for him—Diaz issued walks to the first two batters he encountered before giving up a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll.
This critical hit contributed to the Mets’ 8-5 defeat at Chase Field.
Edwin Diaz waits for a new ball after allowing a game-winning grand slam to Corbin Carroll in the eighth inning of the Mets’ 8-5 loss to the Diamondbacks on Aug. 28, 2024. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports (2)
This marked Diaz’s second consecutive disappointing outing; just last Sunday, he surrendered a walk-off homer to Jackson Merrill of the Padres in the ninth inning.
This latest setback pushed the Mets four games behind Atlanta in the race for the NL’s third wild card.
“Today was a tough loss,” Diaz remarked. “We had it in our grasp. We need to keep playing baseball, and by the end of the season, we’ll see where we stand.”
Dedniel Nunez, who had just returned from the injured list over the weekend, was unavailable due to tightness in his right forearm, as noted by Carlos Mendoza, prompting the decision to use Phil Maton to start the eighth inning.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. led off the inning with a walk against Maton, igniting a go-ahead rally.
Maton managed to secure two outs following that before Mendoza called for Diaz, who then walked Pavin Smith and Geraldo Perdomo. Carroll subsequently sent a slider soaring over the right-field fence for his second homer of the night.
“Our bullpen performed admirably,” Diaz acknowledged. “I just need to enter the game and execute my responsibilities. I didn’t do that today.”
Corbin Carroll (second from right) celebrates with teammates after hitting the game-winning grand slam in the eighth inning of the Mets’ 8-5 loss to the Diamondbacks on Aug. 28, 2024. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mendoza expressed no worries regarding his closer’s performance.
“The last two games, he’s faced challenges with his slider,” Mendoza explained. “Perhaps he’s feeling a bit off… however, giving up such a significant hit in that situation during both outings. He will make necessary adjustments and bounce back.”
Luis Severino was pulled from the game after 4 ⅔ innings, during which he allowed four earned runs on eight hits, while also recording nine strikeouts and issuing one walk.
The right-hander was hindered by a comebacker that struck his right foot in the third inning, impacting his overall performance.
Luis Severino receives attention from manager Carlos Mendoza after being hit by a line drive during the third inning of the Mets’ loss on Aug. 28, 2024. He stayed in the game but struggled, giving up four runs and failing to complete five innings. AP
Severino underwent negative X-rays and stated his intention to make his next start, despite anticipating some soreness in the coming days.
“There was some discomfort out there, but the more I drove through it, the harder it became to push myself,” Severino noted.
On this particular evening, the Mets found themselves in a 4-0 deficit after four innings but rallied to equalize the score in the fifth inning.
In the sixth inning, Starling Marte’s impressive base-running made a critical difference, allowing the Mets to score their go-ahead run.
Starling Marte dives safely into home, scoring the fifth run of the game for the Mets in the sixth inning of their loss to the Diamondbacks on Aug. 28, 2024. AP
Marte executed a bunt for a single and subsequently stole second base, advancing to third on Brandon Nimmo’s ground out.
His most impressive moment came when he sprinted toward home plate on Pete Alonso’s fly ball to medium left field.
Though Gurriel’s throw arrived in time to beat him, Marte made a headfirst dive, just getting ahead of catcher Adrian Del Castillo’s tag.
This performance stood out for a player who had been sidelined for two months due to a bone bruise in his right knee.
Luis Guillorme, facing his former team while donning a third different uniform this season, extended his at-bat to nine pitches in the second inning before hitting an RBI single that put the Mets in a 1-0 deficit.
Guillorme began the season with the Braves, later moving on to the Angels and the D’backs.
After Gurriel walked to start the rally and Adrian Del Castillo had a single, Guillorme, who was playing second base in the absence of MVP candidate Ketel Marte, came through with two outs.
In the third inning, Severino was struck on the left ankle by a comebacker from Jake McCarthy, prompting him to walk gingerly around the mound during a visit from Mendoza and the trainer.
Despite the injury, Severino remained in the game.
Following McCarthy’s stolen base and Francisco Alvarez’s errant throw, Joc Pederson propelled a two-run homer to right field, increasing the D’back lead to 3-0.
In the fourth inning, Carroll hit a solo home run to center off Severino, pushing the Mets into a four-run deficit.
However, the Mets’ bats ignited in the fifth against left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez.
The pivotal hit came from Harrison Bader’s two-run homer, tying the game at 4-4 after the Mets had managed to score two runs.
Nimmo opened the inning with a walk (the first Mets base runner of the game), and J.D. Martinez followed with a sharp hit to right-center that turned into an RBI double.
With two outs and a 0-2 count, Alvarez connected with an RBI single before Bader launched his tenth home run of the season, marking his second in four games.
Gurriel then sent a two-out double in the fifth, signaling the end of Severino’s night. Huascar Brazoban came in to retire Del Castillo.
After Marte led off the inning with a bunt single, he stole second and progressed to third on Nimmo’s ground out. Alonso lined a drive to left, and Marte tagged up. The throw to home was in time to catch him, but Marte skillfully evaded Del Castillo’s tag.
It was a headfirst dive.
“It’s a challenging situation,” Severino remarked. “Corbin Carroll has been performing exceptionally well over the past few months, so he outperformed us tonight.”
# Mets Suffer Heartbreaking 8-5 Loss to Diamondbacks as Edwin Diaz Blows Save in Late Inning
The New York Mets faced a tough defeat on the evening of their matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, suffering an 8-5 loss that left fans and players alike heartbroken. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a late-inning collapse that saw star closer Edwin Diaz unable to hold onto a lead, further complicating the Mets’ playoff aspirations.
## Game Recap: Mets vs. Diamondbacks
### Key Moments of the Game
– **Early Dominance**: The Mets started strong, taking an early 4-1 lead in the game with a combination of solid batting and strategic base running.
– **Diamondbacks Fight Back**: Arizona responded with resilience, tying the game in the sixth inning with a series of timely hits and aggressive baserunning.
– **Late-Inning Drama**: The most critical moment came in the ninth inning when Edwin Diaz entered the game to protect a slim 5-4 lead, but the Diamondbacks had other plans.
#### Inning Breakdown
| Inning | Mets Runs | Diamondbacks Runs | Key Highlights |
|——–|———–|——————-|——————————————|
| 1 | 2 | 0 | Strong start with RBIs from Alonzo |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | Nimmo’s double adds to the lead |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | Diamondbacks score their first run |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | Strong pitching by both sides |
| 5 | 0 | 2 | Diamondbacks close the gap |
| 6 | 0 | 1 | Tied game after a single from Marte |
| 7 | 1 | 0 | Mets regain the lead |
| 8 | 1 | 0 | Solid defense by Mets |
| 9 | 0 | 3 | Diaz struggles, gives up 3 runs |
### Edwin Diaz’s Performance
Edwin Diaz, who has been a reliable closer for the Mets this season, unfortunately, had an off night. With the game on the line, he failed to secure the final outs, which led to a heartbreaking three-run inning for the Diamondbacks. His struggles raise questions about his consistency and the overall bullpen performance as the season progresses.
#### Stats Snapshot
– **Innings Pitched**: 0.2
– **Earned Runs**: 3
– **Strikeouts**: 1
– **Walks**: 1
## Analyzing the Impact of the Loss
This defeat not only stings for the players but also has significant implications for the Mets’ standings in the National League. Losing a winnable game against a team like the Diamondbacks might affect their momentum as they head into a crucial stretch of the season.
### Current Standings Overview
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|——————–|——|——–|—————-|
| New York Mets | 75 | 72 | .510 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks| 76 | 70 | .521 |
As the Mets sit in a precarious position in the NL Wild Card race, each game becomes increasingly important. The loss to Arizona underscores the need for improved late-inning performance, especially from their bullpen.
## What Went Wrong for the Mets?
### Key Factors Contributing to the Loss
1. **Inconsistent Bullpen Performance**: The Mets’ bullpen has been erratic all season, and Diaz’s blown save adds to a growing list of late-game failures.
2. **Lack of Run Support Late in the Game**: Scoring only once after the seventh inning proved detrimental. The inability to add insurance runs allowed the Diamondbacks to remain competitive.
3. **Defensive Errors**: The Mets committed defensive lapses that put pressure on the pitching staff, ultimately leading to critical runs for Arizona.
### Players to Watch Moving Forward
– **Edwin Diaz**: As the closer, he must regain his form quickly. The Mets need him to be reliable in high-pressure situations.
- **Pete Alonso**: Consistent offensive production from Alonso is critical for the Mets to maintain scoring opportunities.
– **Francisco Lindor**: His leadership and performance on both offense and defense will be crucial as the season wraps up.
## Benefits of Analyzing Game Performance
Understanding game dynamics can provide valuable insights for fans and analysts alike. Analyzing losses like this one can help identify patterns in player performance, coaching strategies, and areas needing improvement. Here are some key takeaways:
– **Enhanced Fan Engagement**: By breaking down performances, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the game and the nuances of player roles.
– **Team Strategy Development**: Coaches can assess what went wrong, leading to better preparation and strategy adjustments in future games.
– **Player Development**: Highlighting areas where players struggle can guide training focus, helping them improve their skills.
## Practical Tips for Mets Fans
### How to Cope with Tough Losses
1. **Stay Positive**: Remember that every team goes through slumps; focus on the good performances.
2. **Engage with Fellow Fans**: Discussing the game with others can provide new perspectives and relieve frustration.
3. **Follow the Team’s Journey**: Keep track of the Mets’ upcoming games and focus on the potential for comeback victories.
### Recommended Resources
– **Mets Official Website**: Stay updated with scores, stats, and player news.
- **Fan Forums and Blogs**: Join discussions on platforms like Reddit and dedicated Mets fan sites for community support.
### Upcoming Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|————|——————-|—————|
| September 15 | Philadelphia Phillies | Home (Citi Field) |
| September 17 | Miami Marlins | Away |
| September 20 | Washington Nationals | Home (Citi Field) |
## Conclusion
While the heartbreak of an 8-5 loss to the Diamondbacks weighs heavily on the Mets, fans can take solace in the potential for redemption in future games. The team must rally together, address their late-game struggles, and refocus as they pursue a postseason berth. With collective effort and strategic adjustments, the Mets can turn this setback into a stepping stone for success.
