The Mets had nowhere else to turn. 

All things considered, they had to be content with Justin Hagenman and Austin Warren surviving a combined six innings while allowing five runs.

They received excellence from Huascar Brazobán in a three-strikeout seventh inning. 

The team faced a dilemma in the bullpen as they couldn’t call on Ryne Stanek due to pitching in consecutive games. They also wanted to avoid using Edwin Díaz for a third day in a row and stay away from Brandon Waddell, who was slated to start on Sunday. The remaining relief options included just-called-up Rico Garcia, Chris Devenski, Richard Lovelady, and a struggling Reed Garrett, likely due to overuse.

Carlos Mendoza opted for Garrett, who then ensured Mendoza would not have to use a fifth pitcher on the day. 

Despite his recent struggles and fatigue, Garrett managed to push through and secure the final six outs of the Mets’ 6-5 victory in the Subway Series opener at Citi Field. He had faced a tough outing against the Brewers earlier in the week, conceding eight runs in his last 3 1/3 innings. However, he rebounded to deliver a solid performance when it mattered most.

Reflecting on the team’s resilience, Garrett expressed confidence in their ability to overcome challenges. He emphasized their determination to fight their way out of tough situations, showcasing the team’s strong resolve and collective spirit in the face of adversity.

He lugged a right arm that has tied with Brazobán for the most appearances by a Mets pitcher this season and had burned 21 pitches in Wednesday’s meltdown and entered in the eighth inning, minutes after Jeff McNeil’s home run had given the Mets a one-run edge. 

Garrett needed 14 pitches to survive Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr. (who singled), Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice, and returned to a dugout and a conversation he did not want to have with Mendoza. 

“I was trying to walk away so he couldn’t take me out of the game,” Garrett said with a smile. 

Garrett told Mendoza he physically was fine and could keep going. His manager told him they would go one batter at a time. 

“Give me everything you got,” Mendoza said of Garrett, who obliged. 

The presence of Aaron Judge loomed throughout the ninth, the superstar set to hit if one Yankee could reach base against Garrett.

Trent Grisham (who flew out), DJ LeMahieu (who was robbed by a tremendous diving stab and throw from McNeil) and Jasson Domínguez (ground out) could not. 

As Domínguez’s ground ball reached McNeil, Garrett took a few hops in anticipation.

When Pete Alonso caught the throw from McNeil, Garrett pumped his fist, which reflected 1) that the teams, too, care about the Subway Series and 2) that this meant a little bit more considering his recent stretch and a woefully thin bullpen around him. 

“To get the last six, it was big for me,” Garrett said after his third save of the season and a 29-pitch outing that tied for his most in a game this year. “A little subtle reminder to keep going, keep fighting.” 

Asked what he would have done if Garrett could not return to the mound for the ninth, Mendoza laughed and offered, “I’m glad I didn’t have to make that decision.”