Wheeler guides Mets to 6th win in last 7 games

NEW YORK — Todd Frazier is known for longballs more than small ball. Yet without even taking a full swing, he swung things in the New York Mets’ favor.

Frazier cleverly came up with a push bunt, and the Mets took off from there, beating the Detroit Tigers 4-3 Sunday for their sixth win in seven games.

“Perfect opportunity,” Frazier said.

Down 3-0, the Mets put runners at the corners with one out in the fourth inning for Frazier. Instantly, he saw the Tigers shift and leave the right side of the infield virtually vacant.

The longtime pro took advantage, pushing a sharp bunt that easily rolled into right field for an RBI single.

“I think it sparked us,” Frazier said. “I looked into the dugout, everyone was fired up.”

A former All-Star Home Run Derby champ, Frazier has four sacrifice bunts in nine seasons as a big leaguer, but none since 2016.

So how long had he been waiting to pull off this kind of play?

“My whole life, to be honest with you. My whole career,” he said.

One out later, Adeiny Hechavarria hit a three-run homer for a 4-3 lead.

Zack Wheeler pitched into the eighth inning as the Mets reached the .500 mark — they trailed in all but one of these recent victories.

Nicholas Castellanos homered and drove in three runs for the Tigers, who have lost 11 of 12.

Edwin Diaz escaped his own jam in the ninth, striking out John Hicks with runners at first and third, then fanning JaCoby Jones with runners at second and third for his 13th save in 14 chances. Jones shouted at plate umpire Jerry Meals after being called out on a 3-and-2 pitch that appeared a touch outside.

Wheeler (4-3) had retired 13 batters in a row before Jones led off the eighth with a single. Wheeler struck out pinch hitter Miguel Cabrera and was pulled after walking Niko Goodrum. Jeurys Familia relieved and struck out Dawel Lugo and Castellanos to end the inning.

Wheeler also singled twice, boosting his batting average to .308.

Mets outfielder Michael Conforto was activated from the concussion list. He went 0-for-3 and was nicked by a pitch. Conforto was hurt May 16 when he collided with Robinson Cano chasing a pop fly.