Alex Bregman helped Houston take the lead in the eighth inning with a two-run single, as the Astros came back from being five runs down to defeat the New York Mets 9-6 on Saturday.
Manager Joe Espada praised the team’s resilience despite a tough start: “It wasn’t ideal at the beginning, but our guys persevered and stayed in the game. It’s a great team win. The bullpen did a phenomenal job.”
Jake Meyers hit a home run early in the game, and Jeremy Peña started Houston’s biggest comeback of the season with a two-run double in the fourth inning against Mets starter Tylor Megill. Jon Singleton followed with an RBI single.
After their seven-game winning streak ended on Friday night, the Astros (41-41) have now won 11 out of their last 15 games.
Bregman highlighted the importance of the win, looking ahead to the next game: “It’s huge. Tomorrow’s a huge game as well, just to keep that momentum rolling and keep everything going.”
Despite the Mets (40-40) holding a 6-4 lead in the eighth inning, their bullpen, which was missing closer Edwin Díaz due to suspension and dealing with injuries, struggled to maintain the advantage.
Mark Vientos hit a home run for the Mets, who had won four consecutive games and 16 of their last 20.
In the eighth inning, Jake Diekman and Reed Garrett (7-3) combined to walk four Houston batters. Garrett threw a wild pitch that allowed a run to score with two outs and then gave up Bregman’s go-ahead single on a full-count pitch to right field.
Teammate Mauricio Dubón praised Bregman’s ability to deliver in clutch moments: “He’s used to those big moments.”
Dubón himself contributed with a two-run double off Danny Young in the ninth inning with two outs. Meyers had a career-high four runs scored, reaching base safely four times during the game.
Reflecting on his performance, Garrett acknowledged the challenges he faced in the eighth inning: “I thought I did a good job of getting ahead of guys, but I just couldn’t put ‘em away. Sometimes that’s how it is. It stinks.”
Seth Martinez (3-2) pitched a perfect seventh inning to earn the win after starter Framber Valdez, who struggled due to defensive errors, allowed six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
