The first game went from a laugher to a disaster before a big sigh of relief. In the middle was some bad news and the nightcap was a seesaw affair that ended with the tying run on second base. The end result was a split of the doubleheader with the Nationals Saturday in Washington D.C.
For a change, the Mets scored early and often, putting up a nine-run lead. But the Nats furiously rallied and sent the 7-inning game into extra innings. After a scoreless eighth for both teams, Francisco Lindor homered to give the Mets the lead. And Heath Hembree closed out the game for the win.
In the nightcap, the Mets once again jumped on top early, scoring a run in the first inning. This time, the Nats went ahead with two runs in the bottom of the first. Things looked bleak when Alcides Escobar hit a two-run homer to give the Nats a three-run lead. But Kevin Pillar delivered a two-run homer of his own to put the Mets back in it. In the seventh inning, Jonathan Villar walked with two outs and stole second base. But Pete Alonso struck out looking to end the game and the Mets’ winning streak.
Between games of the doubleheader, Brandon Nimmo was put on the 10-day IL with a hamstring injury. There’s a possibility he will miss the rest of the season.
First NL Wild Card will be Dodgers or Giants
Second NL Wild Card looks like the Reds, who will probably wind up 15 games over .500
The Padres have a brutal schedule… play all 26 games against quality teams, most against the Dodgers and Giants. Likely to finish close to .500.
Mets would have to go 21-5 to reach that level. (over .750)… ain’t gonna happen.
Easier to win the NL East, which they might be able to do going 17-9.