Unheralded Luis Torrens extends Mets tear with blast vs. Padres

The Mets’ lead, at one level a commanding six runs, was down to 1.

The Padres posted a four-run prime of the eighth that prompted Edwin Diaz to start preparing within the bullpen and loads of nerves to unfold round Citi Area.

However 4 pitches later got here an exhale.

To start the underside of the eighth, Luis Torrens obtained a 2-1, 98 mph fastball from fireballer Jeremiah Estrada and smoked it 403 toes to middle, simply clearing the wall for his third residence run of the season and a few helpful insurance coverage.

“Large,” supervisor Carlos Mendoza stated of his catcher’s swing after an 11-6 win over the Padres. “You might really feel it within the dugout as quickly as he hit that ball, the response from the fellows.

“Now you’re up two, sort of shut down just a little of the momentum they’d going into the ninth.”

The Mets added on from there, turning 4 extra hits and a stroll into three extra runs, however Torrens’ stroke obtained the body began.

Simply eight video games into his Mets tenure, Torrens has been a revelation.

After his 2-for-4 afternoon, his OPS is as much as 1.148, which solely trails John Buck (1.244) and Todd Pratt (1.163) amongst Mets catchers by their first eight video games with the crew.

The Mets picked up the 28-year-old from the Yankees’ system in a Could 31 commerce that led to Omar Narvaez being designated for project.

Torrens, who additionally has performed far superior protection, has 4 extra-base hits in eight video games; Narvaez had two in 28.

Torrens’ emergence additionally compelled the Mets to DFA Tomas Nido as soon as Francisco Alvarez returned.

Torrens has been outstanding, however a reminder of how quick a time he has been across the Mets got here within the ninth.

Alvarez was subbed in to catch the final inning, Mendoza stated, in case Diaz was requested to pitch.

Torrens has but to catch the nearer.

Kodai Senga felt advantageous after throwing a 30-35 bullpen session Saturday, Mendoza stated.

The best-hander, who has but to debut this season as a result of a shoulder pressure and a number of other setbacks, is anticipated to throw a fourth bullpen session Wednesday.

“Hopefully,” Mendoza stated, the subsequent step can be dealing with hitters.

About three hours earlier than first pitch, Mendoza was on the sphere having a catch together with his sons, Adrian and Andres.

It was a pleasant Father’s Day for the first-time main league supervisor.

“It means lots. It’s a privilege,” Mendoza stated. “What a blessing that I get the chance to return to work and have my children, now that they’re at an age the place they know methods to behave.

“Nevertheless it’s particular, one thing I’ll always remember.”

Padres star Manny Machado and supervisor Mike Shildt have been ejected within the sixth inning.

Machado disagreed with a strike-three name, slammed his bat on the filth and had a number of phrases for home-plate umpire Adam Beck earlier than getting tossed.

Machado then obtained in Beck’s face to argue till Shildt changed him, which led to Shildt’s hook.

Harrison Bader (2-for-4 with an RBI double and a steal) has seven extra-base hits and 13 RBIs over his previous 17 video games.