Edwin Diaz & The Mets Blow a 3 Run Lead to the Dodgers, A Breakdown

The New York Mets hold a 3-run lead as they turn to their All-Star closer Edwin Díaz (New York Mets) in the bottom of the 9th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Díaz quickly runs into trouble, surrendering a solo home run to Dodgers outfielder Jake Plummer (Los Angeles Dodgers) to cut the lead to 2 runs. "That run means nothing," Díaz says, confident he can close out the game. However, on the very next pitch, Dodgers slugger Max Muncy (Los Angeles Dodgers) launches another solo shot, making it a 1-run game. Díaz appears unfazed, telling himself "I've done this before, just give me the ball." The next batter, Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers), pokes a soft single into left field, bringing the tying run into scoring position. Again, Díaz remains undeterred, saying "No, you won't," as he prepares to face the next hitter. But Díaz's control betrays him and he leaves a fastball up in the zone that Dodgers catcher Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers) smashes into right field, tying the game at 5-5 with the go-ahead run now on second base. Díaz pleads with his manager to keep him in the game, saying "Just give me the damn ball, I'll get the next guy." The manager obliges and Díaz intentionally walks the next batter to set up a potential double play. The strategy almost works, as Díaz induces a slow ground ball, but Mets second baseman Robinson Canó (New York Mets) gets tangled up and can't turn the double play, allowing the winning run to score. "That's bad baseball," laments Canó. With the game now lost, Díaz resignedly delivers the final pitch, a sacrifice fly that brings home the Dodgers' 6th run. As the Dodgers celebrate their improbable comeback victory, Canó can only shake his head, musing "Maybe Seattle wasn't that bad after all.".