Mark Vientos Wins It in the 10th and the Mets Are Suddenly Playing Like a Team That Belongs

The New York Mets walked into Chase Field in Phoenix looking like they were drowning. They were tied for the worst record in baseball at 14-23. But on Friday night, they showed up in the 10th inning with their bats hot and their closer ready, and they walked out with a 3-1 win that felt like way more than a single game.

Mark Vientos stepped up against Kevin Ginkel on the first pitch he saw and doubled to score the automatic runner. Then Carson Benge followed with a ground-rule double to drive in Vidal Brujan, who had come in as a pinch runner. Two swings, two RBIs, and suddenly the Mets had pulled off the walk-off in the 10th. Devin Williams got the win with an eight-pitch ninth, and Tobias Myers locked down the save with a clean 1-2-3 tenth that included two strikeouts.

The Bats Showed Up Early and Often

Vientos and Arizona's Nolan Arenado traded home runs in the second inning, each launching bases-empty shots. Vientos' blast went 401 feet, his fifth of the season, and it looked like that might be all either team could muster. But the Mets' pitching kept Arizona in check all night.

Mets starter Nolan McLean was solid through six innings, giving up just one run on three hits with six strikeouts and one walk. He also hit a batter in his 100 pitches. The Diamondbacks' Ryne Nelson was nearly as sharp, leaving after walking Benge with two outs in the seventh in a 1-1 game. Nelson struck out seven, tying his season high.

This Means Everything to a Team That Was Sinking

The Mets have now won their last two series and are gunning for three straight on Saturday. They've won four games in their last five, and after sitting at the bottom of the league, they finally look like they can compete. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have lost 12 of their last 16 and they're sliding fast.

Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte was a late scratch due to illness, which likely didn't help their case. The D-backs had their chances, loading the bases with two outs in the seventh before Geraldo Perdomo grounded out. It's the kind of moment that haunts you when you're already struggling.

The Mets take the field Saturday looking to make it three series wins in a row. For a team that looked lost just days ago, this run feels like it could be the turning point.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.