Brandon Nimmo's return to the lineup proved pivotal as the New York Mets secured a 7-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, continuing their sizzling run with a second consecutive extra-innings win.
A Dramatic Return
Nimmo made headlines both for his resilience and his performance. After a scare on Sunday night when he fainted in his hotel room, resulting in a fall that cut his forehead, Nimmo bounced back to deliver a crucial RBI single in the eighth inning, driving in Francisco Lindor to tie the game. His heroics were not lost on him or the fans. "Really enjoying the moments tonight ... getting the big hits, just soak them in because not every day's like that," he reflected post-game.
His perspective on the game has clearly evolved after the incident. "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," Nimmo added.
Powerful Support
The Mets displayed a well-coordinated offense, highlighting contributions from several key players. Pete Alonso smashed his 18th homer while Francisco Lindor added his 14th in the sixth inning, setting the tone for the team's scoring endeavors. José Iglesias also played a crucial role, delivering a timely double that propelled the Mets ahead for good.
On the pitching front, the Mets showcased depth and dominance. DJ Herz turned in a stellar performance by striking out ten batters over 5 2/3 innings, joining an elite club of pitchers. With his feat, Herz became one of the few who, since 1901, have managed two 10-strikeout, no-walk games within their first six major league starts. "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," Herz shared with humility.
Manager Carlos Mendoza noted Herz's invaluable contribution, stating, "We got two huge innings out of him when we needed it."
Reliable Relief
Relief pitcher Jose Butto shined in his role, allowing just one hit over his two innings of work, providing stability and maintaining the Mets' momentum. Sean Manaea, another key pitcher, allowed just one earned run while striking out five during his commendable seven-inning outing.
Historical Feat
Adding to the excitement, the Mets have joined an elite group of teams by becoming only the fourth team in history to score five or more runs in extra innings in back-to-back games. This remarkable achievement underscores both their offensive prowess and their unwavering determination to clinch victories.
The collective effort from the lineup and the bullpen has set a high standard for the team, and fans are eagerly watching to see how the Mets will build on this momentum. With key players like Brandon Nimmo finding new appreciation for the game and pitchers like DJ Herz making history, the Mets are poised for an exciting journey ahead.