Surging Mets continue push for playoff spot with victory

NEW YORK – Commit a mistake against the New York Mets these days and they can to make you pay.

Michael Conforto hit a tiebreaking homer moments after an embarrassing error by Cleveland Indians left fielder Oscar Mercado, and the resurgent Mets rolled to a 9-2 victory Tuesday night.

“We just have guys stepping up left and right,” Conforto said. “Just guys getting big hits in big situations. That’s what it’s all about.”

J.D. Davis also launched a two-run shot and Steven Matz (8-7) permitted one earned run in 6⅓ innings as the Mets opened a critical homestand against a trio of pennant contenders with a resounding performance. New York (65-60), which remained two games out of a wild-card spot, has won 19 of 24 to match a season high at five games over .500.

“I think we all knew that even (though) it’s August, playoffs started today,” Davis said. “We have to have that playoff mentality, that playoff atmosphere that every game counts — especially the hole that we dug ourselves into.”

Pete Alonso hit a two-run double to cap a four-run seventh that broke it open, and Mets manager Mickey Callaway bested former boss Terry Francona in Cleveland’s first trip to Citi Field.

Angels 5, Rangers 1 (1st)

Rangers 3, Angels 2 (2nd, 11 innings)

In Arlington, Texas, Delino DeShields raced home from second with the winning run in the 11th inning, giving the Texas a doubleheader split with Los Angeles after an error by first baseman Albert Pujols.

Shohei Ohtani, who didn’t play in the first game, was 3-for-5 with an RBI in the nightcap.

In the opener, Andrew Heaney (3-3) had a career-high 14 strikeouts without a walk over eight innings and Mike Trout matched the MLB lead with his career-best 42nd homer in the Angels’ win. Luis Rengifo also went deep for Los Angeles.

Dodgers 16, Blue Jays 3

In Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw passed Sandy Koufax for most wins by a Dodgers left-hander with his 166th win, Will Smith hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the third inning, and Los Angeles routed Toronto.

In Other Games

Reds 3, Padres 2

Braves 5, Marlins 1

Pirates 4, Nationals 1

Cubs 5, Giants 3

Cardinals 9, Brewers 4

Diamondbacks 8, Rockies 7

Phillies 3, Red Sox 2

Orioles 4, Royals 1

Athletics 6, Yankees 2

Mariners 7, Rays 4

Twins 14, White Sox 4

Astros 6, Tigers 3

Source : Baseball – The Japan Times