Edwin Díaz experienced a moment of triumph on Saturday as he faced off against Aaron Judge, widely considered the best hitter in baseball. In the ninth inning, with two outs and the Mets holding a narrow 3-2 lead, Díaz struck out Judge with a blazing 98.6 mph fastball to secure his 10th save of the season and maintain a perfect save record.
This matchup was particularly thrilling for Díaz, who noted the excitement of challenging an elite player in a high-pressure situation. Prior to the decisive pitch, he unleashed a blistering 100-mph fastball that Judge managed to foul off, showcasing Díaz’s impressive velocity and skill. The closer emphasized his recent performance, stating, “I have got really good stuff… I’ve been feeling great.”
Díaz’s outing marked his third scoreless appearance in his last four games, a notable turnaround considering his rocky start to the season. He acknowledged that adjustments made to his mechanics in late April have contributed to his improved performance. “I didn’t start the way I wanted to, but right now I think I am throwing the best I have since 2022,” he expressed.
The Mets bullpen also played a significant role in the victory, with Huascar Brazobán delivering 1 ²/₃ scoreless innings, and Reed Garrett managing to work through some difficulty in the eighth inning. The collaborative effort was crucial in securing the win over the visiting Yankees.
Pete Alonso praised Díaz’s performance, highlighting conversations they had about his preparation and mindset. “He’s crushing it, and it has shown on the field,” Alonso remarked, underscoring the strong camaraderie and support within the team.
With Díaz back to peak form, the Mets can look forward to relying on his skills as they continue their season, aiming to climb the standings and enhance their playoff chances.