In a tightly contested matchup, the New York Mets emerged victorious over the Kansas City Royals with a 2-1 win on Sunday. The game featured a pitchers’ duel between Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans, with both pitchers delivering impressive performances.
After six scoreless innings, Mets outfielder Harrison Bader broke the deadlock with an infield single in the eighth inning, driving in the game’s first run. Bader’s unconventional RBI proved to be the difference-maker, as the Mets capitalized on a bases-loaded situation to take a 2-0 lead.
The Royals fought back in the ninth inning when Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out homer off Mets closer Edwin Díaz. However, Díaz managed to close out the game, securing his first save at Citi Field since October 2022 and sealing the Mets’ victory.
Buttó turned in a stellar performance on the mound for the Mets, tossing six scoreless innings while recording a career-high nine strikeouts. Despite his impressive outing, Buttó did not factor into the decision, as he left the game with the score tied.
Ragans also delivered a strong start for the Royals, allowing just two hits and striking out eight over six innings of work. However, he was unable to secure the win as the Royals’ offense struggled to provide run support.
The win marked the Mets’ seventh victory in their last ten games, as they continue to build momentum after an 0-5 start to the season. With key players sidelined due to injuries, including Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill, Buttó’s emergence as a reliable starter provides a welcome boost for the Mets’ rotation.
Despite the loss, the Royals received encouraging news regarding infielder Michael Massey, who is progressing well in his rehab assignment with Double-A Omaha.
Looking ahead, the Royals will send Seth Lugo to the mound to face the Chicago White Sox, while the Mets will continue their homestand with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with Adrian Houser taking the mound for New York.
Zac Gallen delivered a masterful performance on the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitching six scoreless innings against the St. Louis Cardinals. Gallen’s impressive outing paved the way for the Diamondbacks’ 5-0 victory on Sunday.
Gallen showcased excellent command of his pitches, utilizing his elite breaking ball to keep the Cardinals’ hitters off balance throughout the game. He threw 90 pitches, allowing just four hits while striking out seven batters and issuing two walks. Gallen’s ability to make key pitches in crucial situations, including striking out batters with runners in scoring position, highlighted his effectiveness on the mound.
The Diamondbacks’ offense came alive in the fifth inning, sparked by Christian Walker’s leadoff single. Joc Pederson followed with a double, and a sacrifice fly by Jace Peterson brought home the game’s first run. Jake McCarthy then contributed with a double of his own, driving in Pederson. The Cardinals’ starter, Miles Mikolas, ran into trouble, and Andre Pallante was unable to stop the Diamondbacks’ rally. Corbin Carroll delivered a two-run single, extending the Diamondbacks’ lead to 5-0.
Defensively, the Diamondbacks received a scare when Corbin Carroll and Jake McCarthy collided while chasing a deep fly ball to center field. Fortunately, Carroll remained in the game after the collision, providing relief for the Diamondbacks.
The shutout was completed by relievers Joe Mantiply and Bryce Jarvis, who combined for three hitless innings to secure the victory for Gallen and the Diamondbacks.
Before the game, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo provided updates on the team’s injured players, including closer Paul Sewald and third baseman Eugenio Suárez.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will travel to Oakland to begin a series against the Athletics, with Sonny Gray taking the mound for St. Louis. The Diamondbacks will host the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field, with Merrill Kelly scheduled to start for Arizona.
Other MLB scores from Sunday, April 14, 2024:
Pittsburgh 9, Philadelphia 2
Boston 5, Los Angeles (AL) 4
Baltimore 6, Milwaukee 4
Toronto 5, Colorado 0
Atlanta 9, Miami 7
Cleveland 8, New York (AL) 7
Tampa Bay 9, San Francisco 4
Detroit 4, Minnesota 3
Houston 8, Texas 5
Cincinnati 11, Chicago (AL) 4
Oakland 7, Washington 6
Chicago (NL) 3, Seattle 2
San Diego 6, Los Angeles (NL) 3