The first base was open. There was a hot beater on the plate, followed by a cold one.
But Luis Rojas did not hesitate. The Mets manager had faith in Edwin Diaz.
“Always trust your closeness,” Rojas said. “In a right-wing confrontation, Diaz’s things always play well. He is not a boy who suffers. “
It turned out to be a mistake that cost the Mets a game they desperately needed. Bryan De La Cruz fired a quick ball from Diaz against the center field fence, sending the Marlins to a 2-1 victory and 10 innings in Miami.
After throwing consecutive stops against the nationals, Diaz was placed within one of the exits of the entrance. After Magneuris Sierra went from Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third, Diaz destroyed Jesus Sanchez. Then came the pivot bat.
De La Cruz, a 24-year-old rookie, has a strong season, down .342 / .391 / .479 with a .869 OPS, and already had two hits Wednesday night. Behind him was Lewin Diaz, who had just four hits all season in 37 bats.
In fact, Edwin Diaz has similar figures this year and, during his career, against left and right hitters. The previous batsman he killed was a left-handed puncher. It did not change Rojas’ decision.
“Because [Diaz is] so well against both of us, that’s why we have no problem with him to throw any batsmen, “said Rojas.” It’s a great league closer and it’s one of the best. He’s had some struggles lately, but it’s not due to a “It’s more, I think, because of his command.”
This was not the only debated move he made in the tenth inning. Rojas also opted to hit receiver James McCann with runners in the corners and two outs. But instead of JD Davis, he went with receiver Patrick Mazeika because pitcher Anthony Bender had a slider that was difficult for right-handed batsmen and Mazeika’s bats for left-handed hands.
Davis is by far the most successful hitter and this year is down .322 / .413 / .508 against right-handed pitchers. Mazeika, beating .196 against the right, fell weakly.
“It’s the match once again,” he said. “Bender is a guy who has a plumage mix. it’s really hard for right-handed beaters. … That’s what we wanted with the decision to punch, carry the left bat. “