Taijuan Walker and Bullpen Dominate for Mets at Coors Field

DENVER — The Mets have a turn-the-page-fast mentality for one very good reason: “Nobody cares about the past,” shortstop Francisco Lindor explained. “We’ve got to get it done today.”

It’s a trait that’s serving them well.

Lindor broke a scoreless game with a single in the sixth inning, Taijuan Walker and three relievers combined on a six-hitter and the Mets extended their streak of rebounding from losses by beating the Colorado Rockies, 2-0, on Sunday.

The Mets dropped the second game of a doubleheader Saturday, which led to them win their franchise-best 14th straight game following a loss. By taking two of three, New York also captured its 11th series win this season.

“It’s a pretty steady mental team,” Mets Manager Buck Showalter said. “They don’t get into that sky’s falling. They don’t live in that world. I hope it continues.”

It wasn’t a good day at the plate for the Rockies, who were shut out at Coors Field for the first time since Aug. 31, 2020, against San Diego.

Walker (2-0) was a big reason for all those zeroes posted on the scoreboard. He was in complete command over seven stellar innings, scattering five hits and striking out six. Adam Ottavino, Joely Rodríguez and Edwin Díaz finished it off. Díaz got Brian Serven to fly out and pick up save No. 10.

“I kind of just know what pitches work here,” Walker said.

Mainly, his curve, fastball and splitter. Just don’t read into the fact he has a 2.03 E.R.A. at Coors Field over five starts. He doesn’t enjoy pitching here.

“I don’t think anyone does,” he cracked.

The Mets gave Walker all the run support he would need in the sixth. Brandon Nimmo lined a one-out single that got through legs of right fielder Randal Grichuk, allowing Nimmo to motor to third. Lindor lined a run-scoring single to left and, after a soft double by Jeff McNeil, Pete Alonso brought home another run on a groundout.

“That came back to haunt us, for sure,” Rockies manager Bud Black said of the error.

Austin Gomber (2-4) turned in his longest outing of the season, throwing seven efficient innings. He allowed two runs, seven hits and struck out two.

Bassitt and Mets Avoid Arbitration Hearing

Chris Bassitt and the Mets avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to a one-year $8.65 million contract, which includes an option year.

Bassitt, 33, is guaranteed $8.8 million in the deal in which he and the team have a $19 million mutual option for 2023 that has a $150,00 buyout if it is not exercised.

A right-hander who was an All-Star for Oakland in 2021, Bassitt is 4-2 with 2.77 E.R.A. in eight starts for the Mets, striking out 49 and walking 13 in 48 ⅔ innings.

He was acquired on March 12 for minor league right-handers J.T. Ginn and Adam Oller.