Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Edwin Daz doesnt typically need much help from anyone when hes on his game as he has been lately. But he sure got some in his four-out save in at Citi Field, when he struck out Luis Rengifo looking with two on and two out to end the top of the eighth. All three called strikes were , which led Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery to get to sed after the inning. Daz said he hadnt seen the replays of the at-bat, but the closer wasnt complaining. I leave that to the umpire, Daz said. If he calls it a strike, Ill take it. Some pitches in the [strike] zone go the other way and today, maybe I was lucky to get those calls. Im good with that. And Daz is also good with his recent workload. Explore More In Wednesdays win, he got more than three outs for the third time in his past eight appearances after doing so just twice in his first 32 outings. Part of it is a product of an undermanned bullpen. Another is that with the season more than half over, Daz said hes prepared for Ricky Vanasco Jersey the added outs. Mets pitcher Edwin Daz (39) pitches in the eighth inning against the Angels. Robert Sabo for NY Post When I feel good, I feel good, Daz said. Today, I felt good. Anytime they need me, if I physically can go out there and compete, I will. Early in the season, pitching one inning is usually better, but now that the second half has started, and were competing to make the playoffs, weve got to win games and Ive got to be ready to get more outs. Daz ended up throwing 25 pitches, his second-highest total of the season, one of which was particularly scary. After escaping the eighth, an inning in which Daz clipped Travis dArnaud as soon as he replaced Brooks Raley, Daz drilled Chris Taylor square in the helmet with a 96 mph four-seam fastball with the first pitch of the ninth. Taylor stayed down for a moment, but stayed in the game and Daz quickly went back to work. Mets pitcher Edwin Daz (39) celebrates on the field after the game. Robert Sabo for NY Post His next pitch was a 97 mph four-seamer on the outside corner to Zach Neto, who struck out. Daz retired the next two batters to finish the game. I didnt do it on purpose, Daz said of the Taylor pitch. So I knew I could make the next pitch. I just gripped the ball harder. It was so dry today that I didnt have a good grip on the ball. Then I was able to throw more strikes and stay on top of the ball. CHECK OUT THE AND Carlos Mendoza pointed to the Mets being off Thursday as a reason he felt comfortable pushing Daz, who was pitching for the third time in four days with Ryne Stanek closing out Tuesdays win over the Angels. Overall, Daz has to sed 15 / scorele s innings over his past 15 appearances, and has allowed just one earned run in his past 31 innings. And since a rocky start to the season, Daz has been among the top handful of relievers in the sport, giving the Mets considerable security at the closer spot as they look to prior to the July 31 trade deadline. Johnny Pesky Jersey