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          New York Mets

          From World Series to wild-card game, Jeurys Familia fails again

          • Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff WriterOct 6, 2016, 05:25 AM
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              Adam Rubin has covered the Mets since 2003. He's a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined ESPNNewYork after spending 10 years at the New York Daily News.
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          NEW YORK -- Mets closer Jeurys Familia rebounded from three blown saves in the 2015 World Series to record a franchise-record 51 saves this season.

          That total led the majors and also set a season record for a Dominican-born pitcher, topping 49-save seasons by Jose Valverde in 2011 and Francisco Cordero in 2004.

          But in his first postseason game since that disastrous postseason series against the Kansas City Royals, Familia -- a first-time All-Star -- again stumbled.

          Taking the mound with the National League wild-card game scoreless in the ninth inning Wednesday, Familia surrendered a leadoff double to Brandon Crawford. He struck out Angel Pagan, but followed by walking Joe Panik. Conor Gillaspie then delivered a devastating three-run homer, and the San Francisco Giants eliminated the Mets with a 3-0 win at Citi Field.

          San Francisco advanced to face the Chicago Cubs in a division series, while the Mets' season ends.

          "I've been in that situation before," Familia said. "I know this is a game. Every time I go out there, I try to do the best I can. After that, I can't control what happens. I try to move forward. We didn't make it this year. I'll try to keep working hard to try to get there next year again."

          Familia had been 51 for 56 in save chances this season, although this was a non-save situation.

          "You tell me that we're giving Jeurys Familia the ball in the ninth inning, I like my chances every time," outfielder Jay Bruce said. "That guy has been lights out all year. It's baseball."

          On the fateful pitch to Gillaspie, Familia said: "I threw my sinker, my best pitch, and I just tried to get a ground ball. I missed a little, middle-inside. He made good contact."