J.D. Martinez hit two home runs, Jose Quintana broke a streak of 10 starts without a win, and the New York Mets defeated the San Diego Padres 5-1 on Saturday, marking their eighth win in 10 games.
Martinez drew walks in his first two plate appearances against Adam Mazur (0-2) before hitting a three-run homer off Jhony Brito in the fourth inning. He later added a solo home run in the seventh inning against Enyel De Los Santos.
Padres manager Mike Shildt remarked, “We didn’t want Martinez to face us for a third time. But it seemed like it wouldn’t have mattered who we brought in — even Walter Johnson — Martinez was locked in.”
Martinez, who signed a $12 million, one-year deal in late March and debuted for the Mets on April 26, also singled in the eighth inning, raising his batting average to .286.
“I love hitting and playing baseball,” Martinez said. “I prepare rigorously for every at-bat.”
Both of Martinez’s home runs were hit to the opposite field, marking his 23rd career multi-homer game. He has recorded 15 RBIs in his last 14 games, compared to 11 RBIs in his first 29 games with New York.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Martinez, stating, “When Martinez is driving the ball with authority to the opposite field, he becomes a formidable hitter. He has a unique ability that makes him special.”
Mazur managed to keep the Mets scoreless through the first three innings despite issuing six walks. This was the first time in an NL game since 1979 that a team drew six walks in the first three innings without scoring.
“We just kept grinding away,” Martinez added. “We kept putting guys on base and giving ourselves chances to come through with big hits.”
Brandon Nimmo contributed with RBI doubles in both the fourth and eighth innings for the Mets, who are now on a four-game winning streak.
“The team’s confidence has been growing,” Martinez noted. “We’re focused on playing our game without worrying about wins and losses, which has taken the pressure off everyone.”
