Mets Bend, Don’t Break in 5-3 Win Over White Sox

It wasn’t easy, but the New York Mets hung on to beat the Chicago White Sox 5-3 on Saturday night. New York had opportunities to pull away in this game, but they got just enough out of their bullpen and offense for the win. The 9th inning was scary. Many 9th innings have been scary for this Mets team. However, once again, the Mets manager showed faith in his player, and the faith paid off in the win.

Polar Bear Power Kicked Things Off

When you face a team like the White Sox, the goal is to get on the board early. The Mets big power-hitting first baseman got things started on Saturday. In the 1st inning, with Mark Vientos on base, Pete Alonso took a first-pitch slider from White Sox starter Davis Martin over the left field wall for a two-run home run. Giving New York an early 2-0 lead. It was Alonso’s 30th home run of the season. It was also his first ever against the White Sox. Alonso now has hit 30 home runs for the fourth consecutive season.

Winker Swinging A Hot Bat

Maybe the best acquisition at the trade deadline by general manager David Stearns was Jesse Winker. Lately, he’s been on fire. Winker followed a 3-hit performance on Friday night, with another 3-hit game on Saturday. That included following Alonso’s 1st inning home run with a home run of his own that made it back-to-back and gave the Mets a 3-0 lead. In the 3rd, Winker drove in another run with a base hit to right field to make it 4-0 New York.

Mendoza Puts Trust In Butto

With the Mets up 5-2 going into the 9th and Edwin Díaz unavailable, Mendoza turned to José Buttó to get the final 3-outs. However, Butto didn’t make things easy. After getting a quick one-pitch out to begin the frame, he gave up two straight hits to Miguel Vargas and Jacob Amaya. Corey Julks grounded into a force out to score Vargas. It was 5-3 with 2-outs, and after a single by Luis Robert Jr., it seemed reasonable for Mendoza to take Buttó. Especially with left-hander Danny Young warming in the bullpen ready to face Andrew Benintendi. But Mendoza trusted Buttó, who has been one of the best relievers out of the bullpen for this team, to find a way. Buttó rewarded his manager by getting Benintendi to ground out and seal the win.

Player Of The Game: Jesse Winker

Winker was 3-for-3 with a home run and an RBI single. Winker continues to swing a hot bat and contribute to the Mets’ offense.

On Deck

The Mets will send Sean Manaea to the mound on Sunday afternoon to face Garrett Crochet. The game will be televised locally on SNY at 2:10 p.m. EDT and broadcast on WCBS 880.

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