Christian Walker smashed a grand slam in the third inning, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Mets 10-5 on Saturday, ending their five-game losing streak, which was their longest this season.
Arizona had a big lead of 10-1 going into the ninth inning. They’ve scored a total of 19 runs in their last two games, a big improvement from the nine runs they managed in the six games before that.
“The grand slam really boosted our spirits,” said manager Torey Lovullo. “We just need to remember how talented we are, both individually and as a team.”
Both teams had a tough May. The Mets had a poor record of 9-19, with the worst ERA in the major leagues at 4.85. Meanwhile, Arizona went 11-15 with a 4.72 ERA, the second-worst in the league.
Walker hit a powerful shot off Sean Manaea (3-2) to left field for his 12th home run of the season and his second career grand slam, giving Arizona a comfortable 4-0 lead.
“They got that big hit when they needed it,” commented Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Walker mentioned that in a pregame hitters meeting, the batters felt a positive vibe from their performance in the ninth inning of Friday night’s game, where they scored four runs.
Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel (3-1) had to leave the game in the sixth inning after being hit on the left knee by a line drive from Brandon Nimmo. This came just two days after Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen injured his right hamstring in the series opener. Fortunately, X-rays showed no serious damage, and Ginkel only had a bruise.
“At first, I thought it was serious, but after lying there for a moment, I could feel that my knee wasn’t in severe pain, just stiff and sore,” Ginkel said. “Hopefully, it should be fine in another day or so.”
Diamondbacks starter Slade Cecconi pitched well, allowing just one run and five hits in 4 2/3 innings. However, he gave up a long home run to Mark Vientos in the fifth inning, a reminder of the challenges the Diamondbacks have faced lately.
Pete Alonso hit his 13th home run, a two-run shot in the ninth inning against Brandon Hughes. Despite the late surge from the Mets, the Diamondbacks managed to secure the win.
“It’s really satisfying to get their closer into the game,” Alonso said. “It’s a big step forward for us heading into tomorrow.”
Cecconi has now given up nine home runs in 37 innings this season. Vientos’ home run was his fourth in 51 at-bats this year.
