Teary Conforto lifts Mets in possible Citi Field finale

NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Conforto's eyes already were red when he reached the dugout, and as teammates hugged him they filled with tears.

In what might have been his final game at Citi Field for the New York Mets, he had a pair of run-scoring, two-out singles, then made a tumbling, shoestring catch in right field in the ninth inning that sparked a standing ovation.

“There were a lot of emotions taking the field,” he said after the Mets routed the Miami Marlins 12-3 on Thursday night in their home finale. “It all hit me kind of towards the end of the game and obviously making that play and hearing the reaction from the fans."

Manager Luis Rojas, nearing the end of New York’s disappointing first season under new owner Steven Cohen, also might have been at his final home game. New York finished 47-34 at Citi Field and headed to NL East champion Atlanta with a 29-49 mark on the road, assured of a losing record for the fourth time in five years.

Conforto, the 10th overall pick in the 2014 amateur draft, acknowledged having trouble sleeping ahead of his last home game before free agency. He is hitting .228 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs and is making $12.25 million.

After his catch on Joe Panik in the ninth, Conforto raised a hand and tapped his heart.

“This is a guy that bleeds blue and orange,” Rojas said.

Following the final out, first base coach Tony Tarasco raised Conforto's arms. Catcher Brian McCann spoke memorably in the clubhouse.

“Probably something I’ve never really felt before,” Conforto said, his voice choking. “I didn’t anticipate getting hugs from everybody. I didn’t anticipate Tony holding my hands up."

A 28-year-old son of an Olympic synchronized swimmer, Conforto spoke to his teammates, too.

“My message to them...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/In-possible-Citi-Field-bow-Conforto-lifts-Mets-16500919.php