In a game packed with momentum swings and highlight-reel moments, Elías Díaz delivered the final blow.
With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Díaz lined a single to left-center, scoring José Iglesias to give the San Diego Padres a 7-6 walk-off win over the New York Mets on Monday night. The thrilling finish snapped New York’s seven-game winning streak and marked the Padres’ fifth walk-off win of the season.
Iglesias sparked the rally by reaching on a bunt that Mets reliever Gregory Soto (0-3) threw wide of second base. After Jake Cronenworth laid down a sacrifice bunt to move him over, Díaz’s game-winning hit sent the home dugout into celebration mode as teammates chased him into shallow right field.
The Elías Díaz walk-off came just minutes after the Mets tied the game in the top of the ninth. Ronny Mauricio launched a 434-foot solo shot off Padres closer Robert Suarez (3-4), who was seeking his league-leading 31st save.
Luis Arraez Ignites Comeback
The Mets jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the fifth inning behind Mark Vientos’ first career grand slam, coming just one at-bat after Fernando Tatis Jr. robbed him of a two-run homer with a leaping grab at the wall.
San Diego responded with a furious five-run rally in the bottom half. Luis Arraez delivered the biggest swing, hammering a two-run homer high off the right-field foul pole—punctuated by a bat flip that ignited the Petco Park crowd. RBI hits from Cronenworth, Bryce Johnson, and Díaz capped the inning as the Padres surged ahead 6-5.
Cease Takes Scary Hit, Stays In
Padres starter Dylan Cease stayed in the game after being struck in the back of the head by a sharp comebacker from Francisco Lindor in the third inning. Cease remained alert and was evaluated by trainers before continuing.
The inning turned even more chaotic when Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was ejected for arguing a called third strike on Juan Soto.
Defense, Drama, and a Statement Win
Tatis Jr. also made a sliding catch on Mauricio’s liner in the sixth, continuing his impact in the field. San Diego totaled 14 hits and overcame multiple deficits to improve to 58-49 on the season. The win keeps the Padres just four games back of the Dodgers in the NL West, tightening the division race while also bolstering their Wild Card positioning.
What’s Next
The Padres look to take the series Tuesday night. Mets left-hander Sean Manaea (1-1, 2.19 ERA) will face his former team, while San Diego’s starter remains TBD.