Third-string rookie catcher Patrick Mazeika has gone to the plate four times, collected three RBIs, delivered two walk-off wins and walked once in his brief MLB career. But the 27-year-old New York Met has yet to collect a hit in the majors.
Mazeika is the first player since at least 1920 with multiple game-ending RBIs in his first four career games after delivering his second walk-off fielder’s choice grounder in five days on Tuesday night to propel the Mets past the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 in Queens. He’s also the first player with multiple walk-off RBIs before recording a hit in at least 100 years.
Mazeika’s three RBIs before a single hit (two came on the walk-offs and one came on a walk with the bases loaded) have set a third record.
“Mazeika, just knowing him from the past, he’s known for taking quality at-bats,” said Mets manager Luis Rojas. “And that’s what he’s done every time he’s up there, right? He’s put the ball in play.”
Neither of Mazeika’s walk-offs left the infield and all four of his plate appearances have come as a pinch-hitter.
“I’ve put three balls in play in the big leagues, and I don’t think any of them have been above 70 [mph],” Mazeika said. “It’s been exciting. I didn’t expect to be in those spots, being so new to the team. But any opportunity to help the team, whether it’s in the second inning like my first at-bat or the ninth or 10th inning, I’m always excited to make something happen.”
Promoted to the majors three times last year without getting into a game, Mazeika has a batting average of .000 but the Mets are 4-0 in games in which he has appeared, two via a walk-off. “Hopefully part 3 ends with a hit,” he said. “That would be a lot cooler.”
Winners of six in a row, the Mets just placed ace Jacob deGrom on the 10-day injured list with right side tightness. Former Met Matt Harvey will pitch for Baltimore on Wednesday, the first time he’ll face New York since splitting with the team in a 2018 trade to Cincinnati.
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