Jesse Winker delivered a dramatic finish to the New York Mets‘ 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, hitting his first home run for the team in the ninth inning. The pinch-hitter’s crucial blast capped a thrilling series, allowing the Mets to take two out of three games.
Sean Manaea, who started for the Mets, retired the first 17 batters he faced before giving up a two-run homer to Austin Slater in the eighth inning. Despite the setback, Manaea’s performance was strong, as he allowed just three hits, struck out nine, and walked none in his eight innings of work.
Mark Vientos had put the Mets ahead 3-2 with a solo shot in the seventh, while Francisco Lindor also contributed with a home run. J.D. Martinez drove in a run with a grounder, aiding the Mets’ cause. Edwin Díaz pitched a flawless inning to earn his second win of the series, having also secured a victory with Francisco Alvarez’s solo homer in Monday night’s game.
Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman had tied the game with a sacrifice fly in the eighth, but the Orioles were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Ryan O’Hearn was ejected earlier in the inning following a controversial strikeout with the bases loaded.
Winker’s dramatic home run came against a 98 mph fastball, making it his 12th homer of the season and second career walk-off. His exuberant celebration, which included a helmet toss and flexing towards the Mets’ dugout, highlighted the emotional high of the moment.
The Mets, who had begun the day 2.5 games behind Atlanta for the final National League playoff spot, will face a significant challenge with a 10-game road trip starting Thursday against the San Diego Padres.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde noted the team’s offensive struggles, which contributed to their defeat. The Orioles managed only three hits in the game, struggling to generate scoring opportunities against Manaea’s dominant outing.
New York’s win not only provided a boost in their playoff chase but also showcased their resilience, having secured victories in both games of the series with walk-off homers.
