Mets’ Edwin Díaz acknowledges that he pitched tentatively against…
New York Mets pitcher Edwin Díaz heads back to the mound after allowing a two-run triple to Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryson Stott during the eighth inning of Game 2 of the NL Division Series on October 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
PHILADELPHIA — Mets closer Edwin Díaz retired two consecutive batters before facing Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper.
With the Mets ahead 4-3 in Game 2 of the NL Division Series, Díaz needed just two outs to get out of the eighth inning. However, he couldn’t shake the memory of Harper’s two-run, 431-foot home run to center field off Luis Severino in the sixth inning.
“After the walk to Harper, I think I got a bit lazy instead of attacking him,” Díaz said to reporters following the 7-6 loss. “I tried to make pitches hoping he would chase for the out, rather than approaching him like I usually do.”
Díaz has had some success against Harper in the past. In 17 career plate appearances, Harper has two hits off Díaz, both of which were home runs. Aside from that, he holds a lifetime .133 batting average against the two-time Reliever of the Year Award winner, with 11 strikeouts.
So, why did Díaz pitch so cautiously to Harper?
“We were winning by one run, and I was trying to avoid giving up a ball in the air to him,” Díaz explained. “I was focused on getting the next guy out.”
However, the next batter made him pay, hitting a single to right field and putting two runners on base. Then, Phillies infielder Bryson Stott delivered the final blow, lining a triple down the right field line that put Philadelphia ahead 5-4. Díaz’s final line for the game: two-thirds of an inning pitched, three earned runs, two hits, one walk, and two strikeouts.
