New York — Alex Bregman hit a double in the eighth inning to put Houston ahead, and the fueled Astros fought back from a five-run deficit to beat the New York Mets 9-6 on Saturday.
“It didn’t start the way we wanted. But again, our guys will be patient and keep playing,” said coach Joe Espada. “It’s a great team win. The bullpen is a phenomenal job.”
Jake Meyers homered early and Jeremy Peña started Houston’s biggest comeback of the season in the fourth with a two-run double off starters Tylor Megill and an RBI single off Jon Singleton.
After snapping a seven-game winning streak in the series opener Friday night, the Astros (41-41) earned their 11th win in 15 games.
“It’s huge,” Bregman said. “Tomorrow is another big game. It’s about keeping that momentum going and keeping everything moving forward.”
New York still led 6-4 in the eighth inning, but closer Edwin Díaz could not hold out in the injury-riddled bullpen. Mark Vientos homered for the Mets (40-40), who have won four straight and 16 of 20.
Jake Dykeman and Reed Garrett (7-3) walked four Houston batters in the eighth inning. Garrett threw a wild pitch that scored with two outs, then allowed a comeback hit to right field by Bregman on a full count pitch.
“He’s used to those big moments,” teammate Mauricio Dubón said of Bregman.
Dubón added a two-run double to Danny Young with two outs in the ninth. Myers reached safely four times and scored a career-high four runs.
“I got to a point tonight where I had to compete with everything I got, and it didn’t go my way,” Garrett said. “I thought I was good at getting ahead of the guys, but I just couldn’t abandon them. Sometimes that happens. It stinks.”
After starter Framber Valdes suffered an injury due to poor defense and allowed six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings, Seth Martinez (3-2) pitched a perfect seventh inning to become the winning pitcher.
Ryan Pressley finished the eighth inning scoreless and Josh Hader recorded his 12th save in 13 opportunities, getting three quick outs to snap a three-game tie between two of the hottest teams in baseball this month.
“We’ve got some studs,” Bregman said. “It’s nice when they come up with leads.”
Pete Alonso’s double capped Game 2 with five runs, and the Mets capitalized on Valdez’s error and two defensive errors to take a 5-1 lead.
“That inning was definitely challenging. It was one of those mistakes that happen in the middle of the game. We were trying to stay afloat, swim and just keep the team in the game.” Valdez spoke through an interpreter. “This team doesn’t give up.”
Vientos hit a 429-foot solo home run to center field in the third inning. Singer Jose Iglesias had three hits for the Mets. Two doubles and an RBI infield single.
New York, which had won eight of its previous home games, recorded its 12th consecutive home run.
Houston improved to 10-2 against the Mets since 2017.
trainer’s room
Astros: RHP Jake Bloss (shoulder soreness) is scheduled to throw the bullpen on Sunday. If all goes well, he could be a candidate to rejoin the rotation after he becomes eligible to come off the injured list on July 7. Bloss suffered the injury in his major league debut on June 21. … RHP Justin Verlander (neck soreness) is feeling better and could catch this week, Espada said. … RHP Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery) is feeling better and is expected to make his next rehab start with a different affiliate. Garcia threw 12 complete innings in his first rehab start Friday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League.
next
Mets RHP Luis Severino (5-2, 3.29 ERA) will be the final pitcher of Sunday’s series. He is 2-4 with a 4.93 ERA against the Astros and hasn’t won against them since May 2018 against the Yankees.
Rookie relief pitcher Sean Durbin (1-1, 5.64 ERA) will make his second major league start for Houston, which will essentially be a bullpen outing.
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