The Mets broke a scoreless tie by putting up crooked numbers in the fourth and fifth innings en route to a 6-3 win over the Nationals Tuesday night in Washington. The victory gives the Mets the series win and the club will go for a sweep Wednesday afternoon.
Harrison Bader opened the scoring with a two-run homer. The Mets plated three runs in the fifth inning thanks to a two-run triple by Starling Marte, who in turn was driven home by a sac fly by Mark Vientos. Pete Alonso capped the scoring with a solo homer in the ninth, his 14th HR of the season.
David Peterson picked up the win, as he pitched into the seventh inning.
The road offense pounded out 13 hits, with four players producing multi-hit games. Alonso and Bader were joined by Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo with two hits apiece. The top three in the order went a combined 6-14 with a walk.
The offense put up six runs despite going just 2-13 with RISP.
I know it’s only the Nationals, but great to see some wins on the board and a series win. Kudos for Peterson’s start and it seems his hip surgery was exactly what the doctor ordered. Pete with another HR, Lindor strong leading off and Marte looks like the Marte of old on both sides of the ball. Bader’s play makes me think he should be resigned and stay put in CF as he has exceeded offensive expectations and has a great glove. The last out in the game had collision and a Met loss written all over it but thankfully Marte held on to the ball despite a mini collision. The Braves have been rumored to have interest in Marte to replace Acuna Jr and if they are willing to pick up the balance of his contract they would be a sterling trade for Starling.
Gut Reaction: there were a lot of encouraging signs in this game and one bad sign that was repeated again. The good signs:
• Peterson was in total control and pitched into the 7th with 81 pitches. The pitching change was justified by Mendoza because Peterson was coming off an injury.
• Vientos had a good defensive game. He had a very strong throw in the fourth and had a gold glove play with the dive and a throw on his knees to get the runner. He also had a good sacrifice fly RBI and another hit.
• Iglesias got another hit his energy is contagious.
• Nunez bailed outfielder Peterson in the 7th with a strikeout. He then had a strong eighth. At this point he is the best arm in the bullpen.
The bad sign:
• Garrett appeared shaky giving up a run in the 9th and escaping with the bases loaded to get the victory.
At least Mendoza shakes up the lineup and is not afraid to give a chance other players to shake up the team. They have the series win and have a chance for the sweep today.
A win is just dandy and we spoke of finally getting to the softer part of the schedule as a way to reverse the recent trend of giving away games in the ninth. We have all read the stat of how the Mets lost six games in May alone while leading after 8, and the next closest team lost two. That’s a big difference right now and allowing Garrett to finish was risking #7. I’m very surprised Mendoza left him in.
I would not resign any player on an expiring contract. Bader has not been good in years, so not drinking the Kool-Aid; plus, this team needs to get younger. I hope the Mets have scouted those other teams real good.
Wins are good. Garrett wasn’t good but he somehow preserved the good outcome. McNeil could be a reserve as early as now.