'Special day' as Díaz brothers pitch in same game for 1st time

NEW YORK -- Yes, the Reds lost a heartbreaker, 6-4, to the Mets in 10 innings on a walk-off homer by Mets third baseman Mark Vientos on Friday night at Citi Field. But for Reds closer Alexis Díaz, he had a night to remember.

It marked the first time Díaz and his older brother, Mets closer Edwin Díaz, pitched in the same Major League game. They never even faced each other as kids while growing up in Puerto Rico. However, they were teammates when they played for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March 2023.

“The WBC is the only time we played together. We never played together growing up. Edwin was always older,” Alexis said, with right-hander Nick Martinez translating. “Playing catch together in the backyard was probably the only time.”

Both brothers pitched in the ninth for their respective clubs without allowing a run. With the game tied at 4, Edwin, 30, struck out the side in the top of the inning. The game went into extra frames after Alexis, 27, worked around a hit-by-pitch in the bottom of the ninth. Edwin was in the dugout while watching his younger brother throw on the mound.

“We want to win,” Edwin said. “At the same time, I want Alexis to do [well]. He did [well] and we got the ‘W.’ … “[Alexis] has really good stuff. He throws his stuff. He is a really good pitcher. He just went out and competed. He did [well] today.”

The brothers hope to get a copy of the scorecard to keep as a memento.

“It was a very special day,” Alexis said. “When I got the call that I was going into the game, essentially pitching in the same inning, I obviously felt very happy. It was an emotional moment for me.”

After the game ended, the entire Díaz clan -- including the pitchers’ parents, grandparents, uncles, cousins and a bunch of friends from Puerto Rico -- gathered in front of the Mets’ dugout to celebrate the moment. Photos were taken, of course, and there was talk about that ninth inning.

“I talked to Tony Santillan about it. It has to be a special moment for my dad,” Alexis said. “I’m sure he is very proud to see both his sons pitching at an elite level in a game … where it is very intense.”

For Edwin, he was happy that friends from Puerto Rico were able to attend the game. Those same friends have helped the Díaz family over the years.

“There were a lot of people here who helped my parents,” Edwin said. “We feel proud. At the end of the offseason, we try to give back to the community. We are really excited we are in the big leagues.”

Don’t expect any trash talking from the Díaz brothers, because they both did well in the game.

“He can’t say anything to me and I can’t say anything to him. Let’s see how the next two games go. Maybe we’ll have a little trash talking,” Edwin said.