The fans in London were treated to an improbable ending in a baseball game. The Mets were leading 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth inning when the Phillies loaded the bases with one out. It looked like the Mets were about to suffer another heartbreaking loss. However, on an 0-2 pitch, Nick Castellanos hit a broken-bat dribbler in front of the plate. Catcher Luis Torrens fielded the ball, touched home plate, and then threw accurately to first base to double up Castellanos and secure the win for the Mets.
After the game, Torrens explained that he tried to get the ball quickly, touch home, and then throw to first base. While Torrens was matter-of-fact about the play, his teammates and coaches praised his instincts and execution. Manager Carlos Mendoza called it an impressive play, highlighting Torrens’s ability to slow things down and make the right decisions under pressure.
Acquired by the Mets in a trade with the Yankees on May 31, Torrens has already made a significant impact. In addition to the game-winning double play, Torrens hit two home runs in a game against the Washington Nationals. With Francisco Alvarez set to return to the Mets soon, Torrens is likely to remain as the backup catcher, which may lead to another player being designated for assignment.