(2024) Mets Win 8th Straight on Vientos Walk OFF Multi- HR Night

Friday, September 6th, 2024: The red-hot Mets hosted the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game set a Citi Field. The Mets entered the game on a seven-game win streak, tied for the third wild card spot. With 21 games left to play every game is an important must win.

Tonight, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza sent the Mets team leader in wins, Sean Manea (11-5) to the mound to face the Reds Fernando Cruz (3-8). Manea had won five of his last six decisions dating back to July.

In the bottom of the 1st, Francisco Lindor led off with a base hit. It was the 34th straight game in
which he reached base as he also reached a career high 16 game hit streak. After Brandon Nimmo struck out, Mark Vientos hit his 23rd HR of the year, the two-run shot put the Mets up 2-0.

In the top of the 4th, Sean Manaea started the inning walking Jonathan India then gave up a two run HR to Elly De La Cruz tying up the game. It was his 23rd HR of the season as well.

In the top of the 6th. the Mets put together a two-out rally, starting with a Pete Alonso double. The liner down the right field line was initially caught by Jake Fraley on a fine catch, but he couldn't hold on as he hit the ground. After Reds manager David Bell made a pitching change bringing in Buck Farmer, Mets pinch hitter Jose Iglesias singled to left field. 

Pete Alonso was given a green light at third base & just scored as the throw from Spencer Steer steered to the right. J.D. Martinez then singled to short right bringing in Iglesias giving the Mets a 4-2 lead.

But in the top of the 7th, Sean Manea couldn't hold the lead, as he walked Spencer Steer & gave up his second two run of the game, this one to TJ Freidl.

In the 9th inning, both Diaz brothers got to pitch scoreless innings for their respective teams, Edwin for the Mets & Alexis for the Reds. Edwin struck out the side as Alexis struck out the first batter he faced. It was the first time the two brothers pitched against each other since they were kids. After the game they took pictures with their parents & family members who all attended the game.

In the top of the 10th, Jose Butto came on & retired the Reds in order. The Mets bullpen pitched 3.5 scoreless innings & during the nine-game win streak have posted an ERA under one.

In the bottom of the 10th, Mark Vientos hit his second two run HR of the game, the two-run shot off former Met Justin Wilson gave the Mets the walk off win. It was the Mets eighth straight win, their longest winning streak of the year & the longest in five years dating back to 2019. 

The Mets remained tied with the Braves for the third wild card spot & 1.5 games behind Arizona for the second spot.

For Vientos it was his 24th HR of the year, his second walk off HR & second multi-HR game dating back to the June subway series sweep.

Quotes- Mark Vientos: "I kind of said it last month when we went through that phase of losing a couple of games. We're going to get hot at the right time & I think September is the right time".