he couldn't have set things up any better for themselves as they headed into the ninth inning of the deciding game in their . They had retired 12 consecutive Mets batters. And they had two-time NL reliever of the year coming out of the bullpen.
Then everything fell apart in stunningly swift fashion. , who had allowed just three runs all year, gave up four in the ninth inning of a loss that ended the season. three-run homer off the r closer put the Mets ahead for good.
Williams said. "They got me a two-run lead there in the ninth. That's how we draw it up.
And I couldn't come through for the boys. No one feels worse than I do." One night after retired the side in order to save a , it quickly became apparent he wasn't his usual self.
He walked on a full-count pitch leading off the ninth. After striking out , the right-hander gave up a single to on an 0-2 changeup that put runners at the corners. "He's one of the best relievers in the game," .
"He has an unbelievable changeup and great fastball, and he locates well. Honestly, you're trying to be short and you're trying to find the barrel however you can." That brought to the plate.
fell behind 3-1 in the count, then drove a changeup over the right-field wall to put the Mets ahead by one. "It could have been better, but it wasn't the worst pitch I've ever thrown," . "I wanted to go away with it, and I got it there, but it was a good piece of hitting.
" remained in the game but continued to struggle and couldn't prevent the from ad.