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Relying on heaters, Bastardo shows worth
- Updated: May 8, 2016
SAN DIEGO — Antonio Bastardo had nearly completed the most impactful moment of his nascent Mets career when catcher Kevin Plawecki popped up from his crouch, confused. The veteran reliever had retired consecutive batters on nothing but fastballs with the bases loaded Sunday, but was shaking off every sign Plawecki flashed at him.
So Plawecki jogged out 60 feet, 6 inches to talk things over with Bastardo. The pair quickly settled on another fastball. Alexei Ramirez swung clean through it. And from the improbability of that eighth inning, the Mets preserved a 4-3 victory over the Padres to move into sole possession of first place for the first time this season.
“They were waiting for something else, but we still got them with the fastball,” Bastardo said. “I just feel comfortable with my fastball. I don’t even check the velocity or whatever. I just feel a lot of confidence with my fastball.”
It was a brand of brashness that on this Sunday afternoon, the Mets sorely needed. Clinging to a one-run …
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