Martinez (2 HRs) so clutch even Walter Johnson might not matter

NEW YORK -- When it comes to RBI opportunities, J.D. Martinez has been clutch of late.

On Thursday against the Marlins, Martinez drove in the last two runs of the game on a walk-off home run. The next day, he drove in the Mets' only two runs in a victory over the Padres. On Saturday, Martinez hit two home runs as the Mets defeated San Diego, 5-1, at Citi Field.

The Mets have won four games in a row and eight of their past 10.

Martinez was on base five times Saturday, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two walks. It was the 23rd multihomer game of his career and first of the season. He has driven in multiple runs in three straight games, which is tied with Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna for the longest active streak in the Major Leagues.

“I know I prepare, and I know that I do everything that I can possibly do to get ready for every at-bat,” Martinez said. “If it works out, it’s great. If it doesn’t, there is nothing I would change. I did everything I possibly could.”

New York had rookie right-hander Adam Mazur on the ropes. The team had runners in scoring position during the first three innings without scoring a run. But the Mets were able to get to Mazur in the fourth, and it all came with two outs. After Francisco Lindor doubled to left-center field, Brandon Nimmo doubled to right field to drive in Lindor and give New York a 1-0 lead.

Mazur then left the game in favor of right-hander Jhony Brito, who allowed a two-run opposite-field homer to Martinez.

“Lindor put a bat on [Mazur], and then Nimmo got him and chased him,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “And we didn't want [Mazur] to see J.D. Martinez for the third time. … I don't think we could have brought in, I don't know, Walter Johnson, to face Martinez right now. I don't think it would have mattered."

Three innings later, with New York leading, 3-1, Martinez hit his second opposite-field home run of the day, this one off right-hander Enyel De Los Santos. Martinez is the sixth MLB player this year to have the game-winning RBI in three straight team games.

According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, Martinez is locked in because of his ability to drive the ball the other way.

“When he stays right-center and he is driving the ball with authority -- the way we have seen him the last few days -- it is pretty impressive,” Mendoza said. “That’s what makes him such a unique, special hitter. When he is on it, he is a dangerous hitter.

“He not only controls the strike zone -- he was on base five times today – when he is getting pitches, putting swings with conviction and driving the ball the other way, not too many righties can do it the other way.”

The last member of the Mets to have three straight game-winning RBIs was Pete Alonso. He did it in both games of a doubleheader on Aug. 6, 2022 and the next game on Aug. 7, all against the Braves.

“He is amazing. He is one of the best I ever saw, and I played against this guy a long time,” said Mets left-hander Jose Quintana, who pitched six strong innings and allowed one run. “He is really smart. He is always prepared. That’s the key for him. He always stays hungry, and he wants to do damage. He is always ready to hit.”

Martinez is hitting .286 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs. Imagine if he started the season on time. Martinez was a free agent and didn’t sign with the Mets until March 23. He didn’t play his first game for New York until April 26.