Mets Secure Extra-Innings Victory Behind Nimmo's Return
Brandon Nimmo’s triumphant return to the field was marked by a performance that helped guide the New York Mets to a decisive 7-2 victory over the Washington Nationals, reinforcing the team's resilience in extra innings for the second consecutive game.
The momentum of the game shifted in the eighth inning when Nimmo delivered a crucial RBI single, driving in Francisco Lindor and tying the score. This pivotal moment underlined Nimmo’s vital role in the team's success, especially poignant after he fainted in his hotel room the previous Sunday night, suffering a cut to his forehead as a result.
Reflecting on his comeback, Nimmo shared the emotional weight of his return, saying, "Really enjoying the moments tonight ... getting the big hits, just soak them in because not every day's like that. 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."
In the crucial stages of the game, José Iglesias stepped up, delivering a critical double that pushed the Mets ahead. The offensive prowess didn’t stop there; Pete Alonso blasted his 18th home run of the season, while Francisco Lindor followed up with his 14th homer in the sixth inning, adding to the Mets' growing lead.
On the pitching front, DJ Herz delivered a standout performance, striking out ten batters over 5 2/3 innings. His exceptional control and precision placed him in elite company, joining Stephen Strasburg as one of the few pitchers since 1901 to achieve two 10-strikeout, no-walk games in their first six major league starts. Reflecting on his approach, Herz commented, "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."
Additionally, Jose Butto's relief effort was impeccable, allowing just one hit over his two innings of work, while Sean Manaea held the line, permitting only one earned run and striking out five over seven innings. The bullpen’s effectiveness was noted by Carlos Mendoza, who remarked, "We got two huge innings out of him when we needed it."
The Mets' recent offensive surge in extra innings is particularly notable. They have now joined an elite group, becoming only the fourth team in history to score five or more runs in an extra inning in back-to-back games. This feat underscores the team's depth and resilience, as they continue to demonstrate their ability to step up when the stakes are highest.
Overall, the collective efforts from key players and the bullpen's strength highlight the Mets' compelling journey through the season. As they continue to build on their recent successes, the team’s ability to perform under pressure will be pivotal in their push towards playoff contention.