Josh Bell hit a home run that tied the game against Edwin Díaz in the ninth inning, which was another tough moment for the struggling New York Mets closer. Then, Otto Lopez singled home the winning run in the 10th inning as the Miami Marlins came from behind to win 10-9 on Saturday.
Lopez hit a ground ball that went through the middle of the field to score Christian Bethancourt from third base, giving the Marlins their fourth consecutive win and their best streak of the season. This win marked the Marlins’ fourth walk-off victory this year.
“It was crazy,” Bell said. “As the game went on, around the fifth or sixth inning, you could hear chants from the Mets fans. I know their fans show up well, but it was great to hear our fans cheering.”
Miami was behind 9-5 in the ninth when Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a single to bring in Vidal Bruján, who started the inning with a double against Díaz. Bryan De La Cruz then got a single with one out, and Bell hit a home run off Díaz’s slider to tie the game.
“It’s definitely up there for me,” Bell said. “I think just the situation in the game, and then that’s a future Hall of Famer out there — the best closer in the game. So, I’m happy to help our team win there, but first and foremost, I don’t think I’ve gotten a hit against him in the big leagues.”
Díaz wasn’t charged with a blown save because he came into the game with a four-run lead. However, he’s struggled in his recent outings, giving up runs, hits, walks, and home runs in his last few appearances.
“I won’t lie, my confidence I feel is down right now,” Díaz said. “I’m making pitches. I’m throwing strikes. I’m trying to do my best to help the team to win. Right now I’m not in that capacity.”
This game was significant for Díaz as it was his first time playing at Miami’s home ballpark since he was injured there in March 2023 while celebrating Puerto Rico’s win in the World Baseball Classic. The Mets have now lost seven of their last nine games, all against teams in their division, and are five games below .500, matching their worst record of the season.
