5 Mets pitchers make two runs stand up against Padres

Field Level Media|published: Sat 15th June, 24:37 2024

Jun 14, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) turns a double play with San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez (4) sliding into second base during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

J.D. Martinez delivered the pivotal hit for the second straight game as his two-run double in the fourth inning lifted the host New York Mets past the San Diego Padres 2-1 on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.

The Mets have won nine of their last 13 games, while the Padres had their three-game winning streak snapped.

The Mets got just four runners beyond first base Friday but made the most of their third-inning rally against Padres right-hander Matt Waldron (4-6). Jeff McNeil walked with one out and Brandon Nimmo singled with two outs before Martinez doubled to right on a 1-1 pitch.

Martinez hit his first career walk-off homer on Thursday night, a two-run shot in the ninth inning that gave the Mets a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins.

On Friday, Jackson Merrill homered with two outs in the fifth for the Padres, who were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position against Sean Manaea (4-3) and a quartet of relievers.

Manaea allowed the one run on four hits and one walk while striking out seven over five-plus innings. Adam Ottavino, Jake Diekman and Sean Reid-Foley then combined to limit the Padres to one walk over three innings.

Mets closer Edwin Diaz, pitching for the second time in as many days after being activated from the injured list on Thursday, earned his sixth save of the season with a one-hit ninth. Diaz had been sidelined due to a shoulder impingement.

Diaz gave up a leadoff single to Jurickson Profar, and pinch runner Jose Azocar stole second before Diaz struck out Manny Machado. McNeil saved a run by making a sliding stop of a grounder by Donovan Solano before Diaz struck out Jake Cronenworth.

It was the first save since May 6 for Diaz, who was 2-0 with three blown saves and an 11.37 ERA in seven subsequent appearances.

Brandon Nimmo had two hits for the Mets.

Waldron allowed the two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two over seven innings. The rookie has allowed two runs or fewer in seven straight starts, a span in which he has gone 3-2 with a 1.91 ERA.

Profar and major league batting leader Luis Arraez had two hits apiece.

--Field Level Media