DJ Stewart hits a 3-run homer to lead the Mets past the Cubs 4-2

NEW YORK -- — DJ Stewart hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the sixth inning Tuesday night, lifting the New York Mets to a 4-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Stewart had just three hits in his previous 23 at-bats before sending a no-doubt drive into the second deck in right field against Adbert Alzolay (1-3) to give New York a 4-1 lead.

With the arrival of designated hitter J.D. Martinez last week and the return Tuesday of right fielder Starling Marte from the bereavement list, Stewart's roster spot could have been in jeopardy. But the Mets hung onto the left-handed batter, and he certainly delivered against the Cubs.

“It’s definitely a weight off,” Stewart said. “But this is the big leagues — you have to earn opportunities every single day. So I’m not going to take that for granted, and continue to grind (and) be ready as much as I can be whenever my name is called.”

Stewart gazed toward the home dugout before flipping his bat like a baton upon beginning his trot. The 30-year-old outfielder and DH said he was looking at manager Carlos Mendoza, who has been encouraging him to stay optimistic since spring training.

“It’s good to see DJ contribute the way he has — and for a guy that was the last guy we told he made the team,” Mendoza said. “Out of the gate, struggled, which put a little bit of pressure on himself. He’s going to give you quality at-bats and he’s going to do damage.”

Stewart hit .175 with one homer in 40 at-bats during Grapefruit League play before going hitless in his first 19 plate appearances during the regular season. Then he hit three homers in 20 plate appearances from April 8-24 — a surge reminiscent of the one Stewart mounted last season, when he had 10 homers in 17 games from Aug. 15 through Sept. 9.

“I know what I’m capable of,” Stewart said. “I really wanted to be a part of it and help this team. Obviously, J.D. makes this team way better, but I think I can do that as well in situations and in times that I get opportunities.”

All three runs against Alzolay were unearned due to a throwing error by Gold Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson. First baseman Patrick Wisdom also made a throwing error in the first, leading to Pete Alonso’s sacrifice fly.

“We got burned by not capitalizing on some outs tonight,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell said.

Sean Reid-Foley (1-0) tossed a hitless sixth. Jorge López earned his second save after giving up a run in the ninth, when Mike Tauchman doubled and scored on a groundout by pinch-hitter Matt Mervis.

Miguel Amaya had a sacrifice fly for the Cubs in the second.

Chicago starter Javier Assad and Mets counterpart Sean Manaea each allowed one run in five innings. The teams were hitless in six plate appearances with runners in scoring position against the starters.

TWO DOG NIGHT

The Mets sold 44,269 frankfurters on $1 hot dog night. The announced attendance was 22,880.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Mets: Marte didn't play after returning from the Dominican Republic. Mendoza said he wanted the 35-year-old Marte to resume baseball activities before putting him in the lineup. ... INF/DH Mark Vientos, who hit a walk-off homer in the 11th inning of Sunday’s 4-2 win over St. Louis, was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse. … LHP Brooks Raley (left elbow inflammation) is playing catch. Mendoza said he remains hopeful Raley can return when first eligible next Monday.

UP NEXT

Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (4-0, 0.98 ERA) looks to continue the historic start to his career Wednesday night, when he opposes Mets RHP José Buttó (0-1, 2.86) in the third game of the four-game series. Imanaga is the first pitcher since 1901 to open his career 4-0 with a sub-1.00 ERA and at least 28 strikeouts in his first five starts.

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