Taijuan Walker, Strong Offense Leads To 9-3 Victory Over Miami

The New York Mets (89-52) entered Sunday afternoon’s contest at loanDepot Park hoping to capture another series victory. Against the Miami Marlins (57-82), the Mets got exactly what they were looking for as they blew out Miami for the second consecutive game, 9-3. This thanks in large part to a huge bounce-back performance from Taijuan Walker (7 IP, 1 ER , 10 SO), as well as strong offensive contributions by Tomás Nido (HR, 3 RBI), Brandon Nimmo (HR, 3 RBI) and Jeff McNeil (3-for-4).

With the victory the Mets currently stand a single game ahead of Atlanta. The Braves are currently playing Seattle. With a Braves’ loss, New York would move to 1.5 games clear of Atlanta.

The game started off quickly as Nimmo lined what looked like a leadoff triple to left-center field. However, home-plate umpire Angel Hernandez raised his arms signifying a ground-rule double. The play was reviewed and the call stood. That may have costed the Mets a run as Pete Alonso flew out to left field in the inning. Ultimately, the Mets were unable to get on the scoreboard.

The Mets responded in a big way in the third inning that no external influence could effect. Nimmo launched a 426-foot, three-run, two-out home run to give the Mets a 3-0 lead. McNeil reached via single and Nido walked to set up the opportunity.

For the second time in the game, and the 94th time this season, a Mets’ batter with hit by a pitch as Francisco Lindor was struck in the foot. After a tremendous at-bat by Eduardo Escobar to draw a walk, McNeil muscled a ball that found the outfield grass to score another run. New York led 4-0 after three-and-a-half innings.

The Mets added to their lead in the fourth inning. After loading the bases, Pete Alonso hit a ground ball in an awkward part of the shift. In doing so, he was able to hustle down the line and score the run from third via a fielder’s choice. Mets led 5-0 headed to the bottom of the fourth.

Taijuan Walker‘s first blemish came in the fourth. He gave up a solo home run to Brian Anderson to straightaway center field. It was Walker’s first miscue in a well-pitched game up until that point.

The Mets responded to this minor blemish with a two-run double from Nido, Like in the first inning, the ball found itself under the lip of the padding in the outfield, but Angel Hernandez did not rule this one a ground-rule double. The hit by Nido made it a 7-1 game.

Taijuan Walker, who has struggled largely recently, bounced back in a huge way. He threw seven splendid innings with the only hiccup being the solo home run. In total, he only allowed five hits, one run, and did not walk a single batter. He also struck out a high number of 10 batters. Overall, just the start Walker, himself, and the Mets needed.

Seth Lugo came in the eighth inning and did give up a two-run home run in the inning. However, Escobar – who is still scorching hot – hit a solo shot in the ninth inning. Nido followed that with a solo shot of his own, the first of his season.

After a scoreless inning by Adam Ottavino, the Mets clinched the 9-3 victory. After a rough game one, New York responded in a big way, outscoring the Marlins 20-6. Just what the doctor ordered for the Mets.

Player of the Game: Tomás Nido

A Mets’ catcher being the player of the game is a rare sight, but Nido had himself a terrific day. Not only did he catch Walker in his terrific day, but Nido also performed extremely well at the plate. He went 3-for-4 with three RBI and he also registered his first home run of the season. Nido also scored three runs. Just an all-around superb day.

Walker, Nimmo, and McNeil also all performed extremely well. As mentioned above, Walker had a much needed bounce-back outing, Nimmo had two extra-base hits and 3 RBI, and McNeil raised his batting average to .322 with a 3-for-4 day.

On Deck

Next up, the Mets come home to Citi Field for a three-game set against another bottom-dwelling team, the Chicago Cubs. Game one of the series is slated for a 7:10 P.M. first pitch. The probable pitcher for the Mets is Chris Bassitt, the Cubs pitcher has yet to be announced.