NEW YORK - The New York Mets, mired in a nightmare season spiraling out of control, were walloped with a one-two punch minutes apart Wednesday afternoon.
First, the club placed struggling closer Edwin Diaz on the injured list with a shoulder impingement moments before first pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Then came the second blow: All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso exiting the series finale in the first inning when he was hit on the right hand by a pitch.
Alonso took a 93-mph fastball from Dodgers left-hander James Paxton checking his swing, instantly falling to his left knee upon impact.