Rookie reliever Vic Black got his first major league win and the official scorecard; rookie catcher Travis d’Arnaud the game ball from the first walk-off hit of his big league career; and the Mets got a 1-0, 12-inning win over the Marlins on Sunday, as both youngsters got some lifelong memories to share with their families.
Black (1-0) tossed a perfect 12th to keep the game scoreless until the Amazin’s finally broke through. And, in classic Mets’ style, even that was like pulling teeth without anesthesia. The Mets loaded the bases with nobody out versus Marlins reliever Zach Phillip (0-1), only to see back-to-back hitters ground into force outs at the plate.
They appeared destined to squander their golden opportunity, until d’Arnaud singled up the middle to earn the Mets the series — and himself a celebratory pie in the face.
“I still have a bunch all over my face. It was pretty fun. I still have a mouthful,’’ said d’Arnaud, also savoring the taste of victory. “It’s big, an extra-inning game, bases loaded. To get that hit’s an indescribable feeling. More important, it was a big win to win the series, try to move the Mets in the right direction.’’
After Juan Lagares drew a leadoff walk and Daniel Murphy singled, Lucas Duda walked to load the bases. In came Ryan Webb, who got Zach Lutz to ground to third, and Placido Polanco threw home to force Lagares. Then Andrew Brown grounded to first, the throw coming home again for the out and to fray the nerves of the 26,165 at Citi Field, including members of the Black and d’Arnaud’s families.
But it didn’t rattle d’Arnaud, who had been just 5 for his last 28. He slapped a ball past shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria for his second hit of the afternoon and make a winner of Black.
“The most uplifting thing for me is my teammates. They’ve had my back day in and day out. Today is awesome,’’ said d’Arnaud, who studiously watched David Wright take batting practice Saturday. Perhaps something rubbed off.
“I’m sure he’s been down because he’s not hitting the way he’d like,” said Dillon Gee, who took the no-decision despite 7¹/₃ shutout innings. “To come through in the clutch like that was big.”
Pedro Feliciano, Scott Atchison, LaTroy Hawkins and Gonzalez Germen pitched 3²/₃ scoreless frames. That set the stage for Black, a rookie who came over from Pittsburgh on Aug. 27 in the Marlon Byrd and John Buck deal. And Sunday, with his parents and sister in the stands, he closed the deal for the Mets.
“The team win is big, especially after how the games [went], coming off the sweep [by] Washington,’’ said Black, 25, scoreless in seven of his last nine appearances and getting thrown into more high-pressure spots. “I’ve enjoyed it. Throwing [clutch situations] is what I’ve been pushing for. These are the positions I like to be in. I feel I do my best in them. That’s just the way I work.’’
Working with pitching coach Dan Warthen, Black shortened his stride and raised his hand, which has made him more efficient and given him better control. He has also increased his video work and picked the brain of Hawkins, saying: “I try to mimic what he does because of the consistency he has. I think I’d be dumb not to.’’
And as he learns the value of scouting reports and repetition, making every bullpen session count and improving his breaking ball, the results are showing.
“He has a [friggin’] magical arm,’’ said Hawkins. “It explodes out of his hand twice. It explodes once, and then it gets [to the batter] and explodes again. It’s weird. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s impressive.’’