Ramos earns first save as Mets closer

Mets fans, meet your new closer.

A.J. Ramos, who was acquired July 28 from the Marlins for two minor leaguers, earned his first save in a Mets uniform Tuesday night in a 5-4 win over the Rangers at Citi Field.

“Your first one with a different team is a little more pressure, but once you get out there and throw the first pitch you realize it’s just baseball and you’ve still got to get three outs,” Ramos said.

Successful in 20-of-22 save opportunities with Miami this season, Ramos assumed the Mets’ closer role after Addison Reed was dealt to the Red Sox at the deadline. The Mets’ recent struggles meant a lack of opportunities to close out games. Ramos had appeared in three games prior to Tuesday night, but struggled to get outs in what weren’t save situations.

“For some reason my numbers aren’t as good in nonsave situations,” Ramos said. “There’s just a different element to closing a game that you can’t explain. Hopefully I can continue to pitch well in save situations.”

Ramos got two quick outs — strikeouts of Joey Gallo and Carlos Gomez — before Robinson Chirinos took him deep on a first-pitch fastball that caught too much of the plate, bringing Texas to within 5-4.

But Ramos buckled down and got Drew Robinson to ground out to first for his 21st save of the season.

“This is the best I’ve seen him pitch,” Mets manager Terry Collins said.

Ramos may not have the official title of closer, but he seems committed to helping the team in whatever way possible — whether as closer or setup man.