Stroman wins 2nd in row, leads Mets over Padres 6-2

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Marcus Stroman won his second straight decision after four consecutive losses and doubled in a run, leading the New York Mets over the San Diego Padres 6-2 on Sunday for a four-game split.

Stroman (5-4) gave up an unearned run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts and four walks, his most since Sept. 12, 2019. He hit an RBI double down the left-field line in the seventh inning, scoring José Peraza from first for a 4-1 lead.

“We used a lot of split-changes today, sliders, sinkers — I kind of threw everything,” Stroman said. “Their lineup is incredible. That is one of the best lineups in baseball, so I think you just have to have a great mix.”

San Diego loaded the bases in the fourth when Webster Rivas hit a sharp grounder to third baseman Brandon Drury, who grabbed the ball while on his knee, tagged third and threw to first for an inning-ending double play.

“That was huge, I thanked him about a million times throughout the game,” Stroman said of Drury. “It is a huge momentum shift right there when I am able to get out of that inning pretty much unscathed.”

Miguel Castro and Trevor May finished a six-hitter. The Mets have won eight of 11 heading into an off day following a flight to Baltimore, where they start a two-game series Tuesday that completes a nine-game trip.

San Diego was held to four runs and 17 hits in the final three games of the series. The Padres lost for the sixth time in their last eight games.

“He didn't have his best command, but he was able to bounce back so I think he set the tone,” Rojas said of Stroman. “This is a good offensive team. To keep them quiet for two straight games that's going to give the (Mets) batters a chance to score enough runs for us to win.

"We took advantage of some pitches left up in the zone....

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Stroman-wins-2nd-in-row-leads-Mets-over-Padres-16229070.php