MLB News Today: Francisco Alvarez digs Mets out of tight spot, Corey Seager speaks on Rangers' struggles and more
There were some action-packed close encounters in the MLB on Monday. Francisco Alvarez and Yandy Diaz hit walk-off solo wins for their teams, while it was a one-man show for the defending champions Texas Rangers. Here's a look at the updates:
#1, Francisco Alvarez's walk-off home run seals Mets win
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez was in a slump heading into their game against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. But he seemed to have forgotten the struggles as he launched a 421-foot bomb to right-center field off Seranthony Dominguez to earn the team's eighth walk-off victory this season.
Alvarez was hitting .167 since the All-Star break and had not hit a home run in the past sixteen games. Closer Edwin Diaz, who pitched a strong top of the ninth, earned the victory on the mound. The Mets are still 1.5 games behind the last National League Wild Card spot, while the O's fell 0.5 games behind the lead of the AL East.
#2, Corey Seager powers Rangers to win over Pirates
It is safe to say that Corey Seager has carried the entire Texas Rangers lineup this season. He leads the team in RBIs, average and home runs. It was further on display against the Pittsburgh Pirates as Seager drove in all four runs in a 4-3 win that included two home runs.
“You never envision playing badly, especially after playing well (last season), right?” Corey Seager said about having to defend their 2023 World Series title. “But yeah, it’s not easy. It’s definitely not easy.”
#3, Yainer Diaz walks it off for Astros vs. Red Sox
The Houston Astros are showing no signs of slowing down. The two-time World Series champions won 5-4 against the Red Sox. They continued their dominance over Boston this season, winning their fourth consecutive game.
Josh Hader first pitched a scoreless ninth innings with the scores level. Yainer Diaz then followed Yordan Alvarez, who struck out swinging, blasting a 401-foot bomb to left-center to earn the walk-off win. The Astros are the most in-form team in the league with a 9-1 record in their last 10.