Edwin Díaz was dominant for the New York Mets in the top of the ninth inning.
That meant Alexis Díaz needed to pitch a scoreless inning in the bottom half to keep the Cincinnati Reds in the game — and he managed to do just that.
No matter what happened in the game at Citi Field, it was a big night for the Díaz family.
“A moment that we can cherish,” said Alexis Díaz, with Reds teammate Nick Martinez translating from Spanish to English.
For the first time in their careers as All-Star closers, the Díaz brothers pitched in the same game on Friday as the Mets defeated the Reds 6-4. The win came after Mark Vientos hit a two-run homer off Justin Wilson in the 10th inning.
“We both did good,” Edwin Díaz said, smiling. “So he can’t say anything to me, I can’t say anything to him.”
After the game, the brothers took photos on the field with about 20 family members, including their parents.
“It was a very special day,” Alexis Díaz said. “It was an emotional moment.”
“It’s got to be a very special moment for my dad,” he added. “I’m sure he’s very proud to see both his sons pitching at an elite level in such an intense part of the game.”
Edwin Díaz came in with the score tied at 4 and struck out all three batters he faced, including Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer with 100 mph fastballs.
Alexis Díaz also struck out his first batter but then hit Francisco Alvarez with a pitch, putting a runner on first base. He stayed strong, retiring Francisco Lindor on a popup and, after pinch-runner Tyrone Taylor stole second base, getting Brandon Nimmo out on a grounder to end the inning.
“Although it was a special moment,” Alexis Díaz said, “the added pressure was no problem.”
On a previous occasion when the Reds played the Mets, the Díaz brothers brought the lineup cards to home plate before the first pitch and took photos for keepsakes. But they had never both pitched in the same game until Friday.
