David Peterson gives Mets bullpen a lift with big boy performance

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.On a night when Carlos Mendoza hoped to avoid going to his bullpen early — or at all — thanks to the 13-inning marathon on Friday night, David Peterson delivered exactly what the Mets needed in Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Dodgers.He threw 7 ²/₃ innings, which not only matched his career high, but was also the longest a Mets starter has pitched this year.“Especially with the bullpen we had, he knew the assignment,’’ Mendoza said of Peterson.

“That’s a big boy performance right there.”Since Griffin Canning only lasted 2 ²/₃ innings before a rain delay forced him from Friday’s game, eight Mets relievers combined to pitch 10 ¹/₃ innings in the defeat.Peterson said he entered the outing with the same game plan he typically has, but with the awareness of the situation.“You have that in your mind,” Peterson said.“The situation that happened [Friday] night sucked, with [Canning] coming out early.

I wanted to give these guys everything I had.”That included holding Shohei Ohtani hitless in four at-bats and striking him out three times.“He made him look human,’’ Mendoza said.Which is why he had Peterson face Ohtani again in the eighth before turning the game over to Edwin Díaz.“I did my job,’’ Peterson said of his dominance against Ohtani.

“It’s all about executing.He’s just another hitter, one of nine in their lineup.

That’s how I look at everybody.He’s a great player.”It was the latest impressive performance from Peterson, who’s allowed more than two earned runs just once this season — and never more than three.He’s been especially good in his past six starts, with a 2.50 ERA.Peterson’s consistent success has come as the Mets wait for big-ticket signees Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas to make their season debuts after suffering injuries during spring training.And wh...