Conforto HR in 9th, Mets overcome early gaffe to top Pirates

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to complete a huge comeback and the New York Mets overcame an embarrassing gaffe by All-Star pitcher Taijuan Walker to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-6 Sunday.

Trailing 6-0 in the first inning, the Mets rallied to salvage a rugged weekend at PNC Park. The NL East leaders lost stars Jacob deGrom and Francisco Lindor to injuries, then dropped Saturday night's game when closer Edwin Diaz gave up a two-out grand slam in the ninth that capped Pittsburgh's six-run comeback.

Conforto connected off closer Richard Rodriguez (4-2), who blew his third save in 16 opportunities. Dominic Smith led off the ninth with a single and Conforto followed with his fourth homer.

The Mets lost four of seven to Pittsburgh in a pair of series surrounding the All-Star break.

Walker, who pitched in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night, hurt himself with a huge misplay in the first inning.

Bryan Reynolds hit an RBI single and John Nogowski doubled for a quick 3-0 lead, and two walks loaded the bases with one out.

Kevin Newman hit a dribbler down the third base line and the ball started out in foul territory, but then began spinning back toward the line.

Walker swooped in and swatted at the ball, trying to make contact while it was still in foul ground. But TV replays showed the ball was touching the chalk when Walker hit it, and plate umpire Jeremy Riggs correctly called it a fair ball.

Walker turned to argue the call as the ball rolled toward the Pirates dugout, and no Mets reacted to retrieve it. The three Pittsburgh runners took off and kept running, and all came around to score.

Walker said he tried to swat the ball into the dugout.

“Obviously, I thought it was foul,” Walker said.

“It was so close. I didn't realize it was...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Conforto-HR-in-9th-Mets-overcome-early-gaffe-to-16322968.php