Alex Bregman scores late as Houston Astros rally to beat New York Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Bregman gave Houston the lead with a two-run single in the eighth inning, and the surging Astros rallied from five runs down to beat the New York Mets 9-6 on Saturday.

“It didn’t start out the way we wanted it to. But again, our guys persevered and we stayed in the game,” manager Joe Espada said. “It’s a great team win. The bullpen did a phenomenal job.”

Jake Meyers hit a home run in the top of the inning and Jeremy Peña started Houston’s biggest comeback of the season with a two-run double off starter Tylor Megill in the fourth inning, followed by Jon Singleton’s RBI single.

After their seven-game winning streak was snapped Friday night in the series opener, the Astros (41-41) won for the 11th time in 15 games.

“It’s huge,” Bregman said. “Tomorrow is a huge game, too, just to keep that momentum going and keep it all going.”

New York still led 6-4 in the eighth, but a taxed and tattered bullpen less hanging closer, Edwin Díaz couldn’t hold on. Mark Vientos scored for the Mets (40-40), who had won four straight and 16 of 20.

Jake Diekman and Reed Garrett (7-3) combined to walk four Houston batters in the eighth. Garrett threw a wild pitch with two outs, then gave up Bregman’s single to right field on a full pitch.

“He’s used to these big moments,” teammate Mauricio Dubón said of Bregman.

Dubon added a two-run double off Danny Young with two outs in the ninth inning. Meyers reached safely four times and scored a career-high four runs.

“I got to a point where I was competing with everything I had tonight, and it just didn’t sit right with me,” Garrett said. “I thought I did a good job getting ahead of the guys, but I just couldn’t put them aside. Sometimes it’s like that. It stinks.”

Seth Martinez (3-2) pitched a perfect seventh for the win after starter Framber Valdez, injured by poor defense, allowed six runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Ryan Pressly had a scoreless eighth and Josh Hader got three quick outs for his 12th save in 13 chances, tying a three-game set between baseball’s two hottest teams this month.

“We have talented players,” Bregman said. “When they come in with a lead, it’s nice.”

Pete Alonso’s two-run single capped a five-run second, as the Mets took advantage of Valdez’s error and two other defensive errors to open a 5-1 lead.

“This round was a real challenge. It was one of those missteps that happens in the middle of a match. We wanted to try to stay afloat, swim and keep the team in the game,” Valdez said through a translator. “It’s a team that never gives up. »

Vientos lined a 429-foot solo homer to center field in the third. Singing sensation Jose Iglesias had three hits for the Mets — two doubles and an RBI single in the inning.

New York, which has won its last eight home games, has hit 12 consecutive home runs.

Houston improved to 10-2 against the Mets since 2017.

TRAINERS ROOM

Astros: Right-handed pitcher Jake Bloss (shoulder discomfort) is expected to throw in the bullpen Sunday. If all goes well, he could be a candidate to rejoin the rotation after being eligible to come off the injured list July 7. Bloss was injured in his major league debut June 21. … Right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander (neck discomfort) is feeling better and could play catch this week, Espada said. … Right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery) woke up feeling good and is expected to make his next rehab start at another affiliate. Garcia threw 12 pitches in a perfect inning in his first rehab outing Friday in the rookie-level Florida Complex League.

FOLLOWING

Mets RHP Luis Severino (5-2, 3.29 ERA) pitches the series finale Sunday. He is 2-4 with a 4.93 ERA against the Astros and hasn’t beaten them since May 2018 with the Yankees.

Rookie reliever Shawn Dubin (1-1, 5.64 ERA) makes his second major league start for Houston in what will essentially be a bullpen game.

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