NEW YORK: Eduardo Rodríguez delivered a commanding performance to outshine Nolan McLean as the Arizona Diamondbacks secured a dominant 7-1 victory over the New York Mets in a rematch of the World Baseball Classic final on Thursday night.
Despite conceding an early lead, Arizona turned the game around dramatically in the seventh inning, capitalising on pitching lapses to seize control. The Diamondbacks erupted for four runs in that inning, shifting momentum firmly in their favour and leaving the Mets struggling to respond.
Gabriel Moreno sparked the comeback with a pinch hit RBI double, while Jose Fernandez added another run following a ground play. Contributions from Tim Tawa and Jorge Barrosa further extended the lead, with the latter delivering a crucial run-scoring triple to cap the inning.
Arizona maintained the pressure in the eighth, as Moreno and Adrian Del Castillo each struck RBI doubles to put the contest beyond reach and underline the visitors’ dominance.
On the mound, Rodríguez was composed and effective, allowing five hits across six innings while striking out three. His only blemish came from a first-inning home run by Luis Robert Jr., marking the first earned run he has conceded this season.
McLean, despite recording eight strikeouts, struggled at key moments and was charged with the loss after giving up crucial runs during Arizona’s decisive surge.
The matchup carried added significance as it revisited their earlier clash in the World Baseball Classic final, where Rodríguez had previously guided his side to victory. This latest encounter, however, saw Arizona assert complete control in a one sided affair.
The win also came amid challenges for the Diamondbacks, with key player Corbin Carroll sidelined due to a hip issue, while cold weather conditions led to scheduling adjustments earlier in the series.