Brandon Nimmo returned to the field in spectacular fashion, playing a key role in the New York Mets' 7-2 triumph over the Washington Nationals. The latest clash marked the Mets' second straight extra-innings win, underscoring their knack for high-stakes moments.
Nimmo's Heroic Return
After a scare on Sunday night, which saw Nimmo faint in his hotel room and suffer a cut on his forehead from the fall, he bounced back on Monday to deliver a crucial RBI single. This hit in the eighth inning drove in Francisco Lindor, tying the game and setting the stage for the Mets' victory. Nimmo reflected on the victory and his performance, saying, “Really enjoying the moments tonight ... getting the big hits, just soak them in because not every day's like that.” His perspective on the game has now deepened, as he continued, “When things like this happen, it's a fresh perspective on being able to play this game and being able to play it at this level on a daily basis. When it's taken away from you briefly, you realize just how special it is, and you start to enjoy the little things a little bit more.”
Iglesias and Alonso Power the Mets
José Iglesias was another critical contributor, delivering a pivotal double that pushed the Mets ahead. Returning to form, Pete Alonso smashed his 18th homer of the season, while Francisco Lindor added his own contribution with his 14th homer in the sixth inning, further solidifying the team's offense.
Pitching Excellence
The Mets' pitching was also on full display, led by DJ Herz’s standout performance, who struck out ten batters over 5 2/3 innings. Herz's statistical achievements place him in elite company, joining Stephen Strasburg as one of the few pitchers since 1901 to record two 10-strikeout, no-walk games in their first six major league starts. Despite his personal accomplishments, Herz remained focused on the team, stating, “I'm just going out there and pitching. I just want to get deep into games and put these guys in the best situation to win. It's cool to hear all that stuff that comes with it, but I'm just trying to go out there and do what's best for my team.” José Butto also showcased his talent, allowing just one hit over his two innings of relief work. Furthermore, Sean Manaea delivered a solid performance, giving up just one earned run and striking out five over seven innings.
Making History
The Mets' impressive win on Monday also marked their entry into a rare group of teams in MLB history. By scoring five or more runs in extra innings in back-to-back games, they became only the fourth team to achieve this feat. This accomplishment highlights the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Looking forward, the Mets will aim to build on their successive victories, leveraging their depth in both pitching and hitting. As Nimmo and his teammates continue to savor these success-filled moments, they are poised to make an indelible mark on this season. Carlos Mendoza, reflecting on recent performances, voiced his appreciation for the team's depth, stating, "We got two huge innings out of him when we needed it." This season’s journey for the Mets is a testament to their perseverance and collective ambition to reestablish themselves as a force in the league.