The Mets used a four-run sixth inning to pull away from the Nationals en route to earning a 7-3 win Friday night in the first game of the series at Citi Field.
After facing a slew of tough pitchers recently, it seemed like the Mets would feast off of Josiah Gray. And they did, eventually. For the game against Gray and the Nationals’ bullpen, the Mets had 10 hits, six of which went for extra-bases.
Eduardo Escobar got the Mets on the board first with a two-run homer in the second inning. The Mets would add a scratch run in the fourth but the Nationals tied the game in the top of the sixth, knocking out starter David Peterson in the process.
But Pete Alonso led off the bottom of the sixth with a home run and the Mets would add three more runs in the inning. Escobar had a SF double play – the Mets’ second one of the game – and the Mets also scored runs in the inning on a single by Tomas Nido and a triple by Brandon Nimmo.
Mychal Givens relieved Peterson in the sixth and went 1.2 IP without allowing a run and picked up the win. It was his third straight scoreless appearance and the sixth in his last seven games where he did not allow a run.
Joely Rodriguez and Seth Lugo closed out the game.
Jeff McNeil had a three-hit game and Mark Canha had another extra-base hit, this one a double. Nido had two RBIs and Nimmo finished with a double and a triple, his fourth two-hit game in the last six contests.
SF double play? What’s that?
Sacrifice fly= one out……..but then Canha also tried moving up a base and was tagged out. At least that’s what I figured SF double play meant.
Nice to see the pitching come together for this game and especially happy to see Givens continue on a positive run. He is clearly liked by Buck who has coached him before, and must know something about him that we don’t. Still makes me nervous seeing him come into a game. Big hit for the slumping Alonso who is one game winning RBI away from the record. Did not even know that was a recordable stat but then with baseball it is all about stats. This was the first of many wins we need against these sub .500 teams in order to take the division and get better playoff placement. The Braves also keep rolling along and took out Alcantara last night. Max goes tonight for the series win-got to fire up the DVR as I balance having a life with my preference for watching the game. LGM
Gut Reaction: This was a solid win against an inferior opponent. Givens added a good showing and he needs to continue to be reliable just like he did with the Cubs. Alonzo and Escobar finally hit home runs. The Mets need their production in September. The bullpen was spotless resulting in a balanced win.
The Braves pummeled Alcantara last night so it was good to see the late bats and pen work last night to grab the win. The Nats are weak, but it is still not a given to win all these games, the players still need to execute and did so last night. Givens had a brutal start to his Met career but he is a veteran that knows what he is doing, with sneaky stuff when he doesn’t fall behind. The spot last night is where he can contribute, so I trust Buck on this.