Robert Gsellman got the starting nod and responded by putting the Mets in an immediate 3-0 hole. But that just set the stage for the Mets’ first come-from-behind win, as the bats awakened from hibernation to deliver 11 runs and 13 hits en route to an 11-6 win over the Nationals Wednesday night.
If nothing else, we learned what a pile of garbage it is to claim that a pitcher isn’t stretched out, so he can’t be used as a starter. Gsellman had thrown 1 IP in the last year, but was somehow suitable to start this game. It’s an insult to Seth Lugo and it’s not overly friendly to Walker Lockett, either. Shoot, Franklyn Kilome has a gripe, too.
After serving up the three-run homer in the top of the first inning, Gsellman was instantly bailed out by his teammates, who put up a four-spot to give him the lead. Brandon Nimmo had a leadoff homer and Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith had back-to-back RBI doubles to highlight the inning.
Alonso and Smith would strike again, hitting back-to-back homers in the bottom of the sixth to give the Mets a 10-4 lead. Alonso finished with two doubles, a homer, a walk and three RBIs. Smith also drove in three runs and Nimmo tallied three hits and two runs scored.
A running theme of the season has been the Mets’ inability to get the big hit. But they went 5-13 with RISP tonight and belted seven extra-base hits, despite the fact that their second and third-place hitters went a combined 0-10 with 4 Ks.
The Mets used seven pitchers in the game, getting two scoreless frames from Jeurys Familia and a nice inning from Dellin Betances, who struck out the side. Betances threw a lot of off-speed pitches but did reach 95 mph on the gun once with his fastball. Hopefully there’s still more velocity to come.
We also saw the season debut of Brad Brach, who pitched the ninth inning. He allowed a home run, the fourth by the Nationals in the game, but he made some good pitches, too, and looks like he’ll be able to help in the pen.
It’s a day game tomorrow, as the Mets try to salvage a split of the four-game series.
Happy to take the win. Nice to see the bats come alive. Wish we had more starting pitchers and think that given the injuries , Lugo should get a shot to start. Familia and Betances were encouraging. Can’t wait for tomorrow.
Gut Reaction: Lugo should have been promoted before Gsellman. The bullpen is solidifying and Lugo would have been a better choice.
Smith and Alonso are a formidable DH/1B combination.
Guillermo has earned a utility role on the bench and Dozier has not.