The New York Mets won their sixth consecutive game on Saturday, knocking off the Washington Nationals by an 11-9 final in the first game of a doubleheader. (Game two will take place beginning around 6:05 p.m. ET.) All's well that ends well, but it's fair to write the Mets took the scenic route to their victory.
New York jumped ahead early, plating two runs in the first inning, four in the second, one in the third, and two more in the fourth. The Mets would allow the Nationals to chip into that 9-0 lead throughout the middle frames, with the Nationals scoring three of their own during the bottom of the fourth, then four runs in the sixth and two (to tie) in the seventh.
The Mets would prevail, however, thanks to a two-run shot by Francisco Lindor in the ninth inning. Lindor's home run provided him with some vindication after he made a throwing error earlier in the game (his seventh of the season) that helped grease the wheels for a Nationals' rally.
Lindor led the New York lineup with four runs batted in as part of a three-hit day, but he wasn't alone in having a productive afternoon at the plate. Jonathan Villar also notched three hits while Brandon Nimmo and Javier Báez each contributed two knocks of their own.
The Mets received a decent outing from starter Marcus Stroman. He lasted five innings, permitting three runs on six hits with one more walk (three) than strikeouts. Stroman did record a remarkable defensive play that saw him make a diving tag on Juan Soto, who was attempting to advance to third base. Take a look:
The Mets entered Saturday four games back in the National League East race and four behind the Cincinnati Reds for the NL's second wild card spot. Depending on the rest of the day's slate, it's at least possible the Mets will come into play on Sunday just two games back of a playoff spot.
