Conforto's 2-run homer in 9th lifts Mets over Marlins, 5-3

MIAMI (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning Wednesday, and the New York Mets beat the Miami Marlins for the third night in a row, 5-3.

Jacob deGrom pitched six shutout innings and left with a lead, but Miami scored against the Mets' bullpen on a wild pitch and two bases-loaded walks for a 3-all tie going into the ninth.

Brandon Nimmo walked with two outs against Brandon Kintzler (1-2), and Conforto hit his fourth homer to center field, a shot estimated at 425 feet.

“With how great Jake was,” Conforto said, “it feels good to get that win tonight.”

“It’s a big homer,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said, “and one of those wins we haven't haven't had this year — in the ninth to take a lead with two outs, especially after blowing a save.”

DeGrom struck out seven, walked none, allowed four hits and departed after throwing 91 pitches. Working for the first time in 10 days after skipping a turn because of neck stiffness, he touched 100 mph in the first inning and 98 in the sixth.

“Not pitching in 10 days, I was a little rusty, and I got tired quicker than I would have liked,” deGrom said. "I was fortunate the bad ones I threw weren’t close enough to swing at."

The Mets' bullpen struggled without right-hander Seth Lugo, who will move into the rotation and start Thursday.

“It's really tough not to have a piece like Lugo in the 'pen,” Rojas said. “But we trust our bullpen. They're going to do a good job for us closing games.”

Edwin Diaz (1-0) walked in the tying run in the eighth but pitched a perfect ninth, getting all four of his outs via strikeout.

“Diaz did a good job coming back and showing what he could do,” Rojas said.

Miami’s Pablo Lopez allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings, raising his ERA to 2.42.

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Conforto-s-2-run-homer-in-9th-lifts-Mets-over-15496972.php