As the Seattle Mariners cruised to a 6-0 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night, a 25-year-old pitcher named Bryce Miller became the center of attention, though not entirely for his on-field performance. Miller pitched six scoreless innings, stifling the Mets’ offense and helping secure the win, but a disheartening incident involving him quickly went viral, overshadowing an otherwise impressive outing.
Before the game, Mets closer Edwin Diaz reminisced about his time with the Mariners, where he spent three seasons before being traded to New York. Reflecting on his days in Seattle, Diaz recalled his debut at Safeco Field, now known as T-Mobile Park, back in 2016.
“I have great memories here,” Diaz shared. “My debut is probably my most memorable moment—playing my first game at Safeco in 2016.” Diaz, who led the majors with 57 saves during his All-Star 2018 season with the Mariners, was traded to the Mets alongside second baseman Robinson Cano as Seattle began its “step-back” strategy that offseason.
Mariners manager Scott Servais, who was at the helm when Diaz debuted, spoke highly of the closer. “He’s a special guy,” Servais said. “To see a young player like that come up through our system and make such a big impact was phenomenal. The 2018 season he had was something special—he really found his stride.”
Since his trade to New York, Diaz has continued to perform at a high level, even earning National League All-Star honors in 2022. Despite missing the entire 2023 season due to an injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic, Diaz has returned strong, tallying 14 saves in 33 appearances this season.
Despite Friday’s loss, the Mets remain in the hunt for the National League’s final wild-card spot, currently sitting half a game ahead of the Atlanta Braves. Meanwhile, the Mariners, who are tied with the Houston Astros atop the American League West, saw significant contributions from their Nos. 8 and 9 hitters, rookies Ryan Bliss and Leo Rivas. Bliss launched a two-run homer in the second inning to open the scoring, and Rivas added a crucial two-run single in the seventh. The duo also turned a key double play in the seventh inning, preserving Seattle’s slim 2-0 lead at the time.
“Can’t say enough about the guys in the middle of the field tonight,” Servais said. “What Bliss and Rivas did was incredible. They played their game and made a big impact.”
Mets starter Jose Quintana settled in after Bliss’ early homer, retiring 14 batters in a row. However, a leadoff walk in the seventh inning sparked a four-run rally for the Mariners, sealing the victory.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza praised Quintana despite the loss. “When you look at the box score, it shows five runs, but he pitched much better than that. He was one strike away from getting us seven innings in a two-run game.”
Saturday’s game will feature a pitching duel between Mets left-hander Sean Manaea and Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert. Manaea, who has won his last two starts, will look to continue his dominance, while Gilbert, despite struggling since his All-Star selection, will aim to get back on track against the Mets.
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