Bautista helps Mets split
TORONTO Marcus Stroman switched up his warm-up music for his Wednesday start, using Drake’s “Trophies” as a tribute to former teammate Jose Bautista.
Bautista, who used “Trophies” as his walk-up music during Toronto’s playoff-bound seasons in 2015 and 2016, may have benefited more from hearing it than Stroman did.
The former Blue Jays slugger drove in the eventual winning run and scored as part of New York’s five-run fifth inning as the Mets defeated Toronto 6-3 to split their two-game interleague series.
“I love (Bautista) from the bottom of my heart,” Stroman said when asked about the music change. “He’s a huge friend, a mentor of mine and I respect and value him for not only teaching me things about baseball but about life in general. “He’s someone I go to when I’m going through things and he’s a true friend.”
Bautista received a warm ovation before his at bat in the first inning from the 26,038 in attendance — and a round of applause from Stroman on the mound. The 37-year-old rightfielder tipped his batting helmet and waved to the fans before stepping into the box.
He was 1 for 5 with the RBI on Wednesday after going 1 for 2 with three walks during his return to Rogers Centre on Tuesday night.
“I faced (Stroman) before in the World Baseball Classic (in 2017) but it definitely doesn’t make it normal by any means,” Bautista said. “It’s still kind of strange facing a guy that you know so well.”
Stroman (1-6) was chased from the game with two out in the fifth after limiting the damage over his first four innings. The right-hander allowed six runs and six hits, walked four and struck out two over an 85-pitch outing.
“I just didn’t have a feel for anything from Pitch 1, to be honest with you,” Stroman said. “Just had trouble getting my grip on pitches but it is what it is.
“I look forward to the next one.”
Kendrys Morales had three hits, including a homer, and scored all three runs for Toronto (40-46). Lourdes Gurriel Jr., drove him in twice to bring his RBI total to five in two games.
Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin had three hits — including his 500th in the American League, becoming one of just seven active players with 500-plus hits in both the AL and NL.
Corey Oswalt gave up two runs and five hits while striking out two and walking one over four innings. Seth Lugo (3-3) earned the win for New York and Jeurys Familia picked up his 16th save.