The New York Mets took advantage of the Toronto Blue Jays’ defensive generosity in a 3-2 victory Monday at Rogers Centre.
A throwing error, a wild pitch and a catcher’s error in the eighth inning led to two Mets runs and a loss for reliever Tommy Nance (0-1).
“We didn’t help ourselves,” Jays manager John Schneider said. “We talked about it yesterday. [dimanche]Today [lundi]you play against teams that fight for every victory [dans la course aux éliminatoires]you have to play good defense.
“This is the second time in a row that we have not done it.”
Starter Tylor Megill allowed one hit in six innings. Ryne Stanek (7-3) struck out all three batters in the eighth and Edwin Diaz got his 17the rescue in ninth.
With the win, the Mets (79-65) are now alone in the last playoff spot, one game ahead of the Atlanta Braves, who lost 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds.
The Blue Jays, who are last in the American League East, are 68-77.
The Jays scored their two runs in the seventh. Leo Jimenez was hit by a pitch from Jose Butto with the bases loaded and Nathan Lukes got Brian Serven to cross home on a sacrifice fly.
The Mets responded quickly. Nance walked in the eighth and Tyrone Taylor moved to third base on a throwing error by Ernie Clement.
Taylor then came around to score on a wild pitch by Nance and Eddy Alvarez scored the winning run when catcher Serven let a ball go toward the backstop.
“We were aggressive on the bases,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I thought our runners moved well before the pitches and managed their runs well, especially Alvarez on the winning run.”
The Mets have won 11 of their last 13 meetings.
“It was a great team win today,” Mendoza said. “When it was tough for us, we found a way to get through it.”