Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 12, 2024 1:13 pm GMT
In a nail-biting finish, Starling Marte delivered a game-ending single in the 10th inning, leading the New York Mets to a 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Monday night. This win holds significant weight for the Mets, propelling them ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the race for the final National League wild card spot. The Braves suffered a disappointing 9-0 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers, setting the stage for the Mets’ crucial win.
Marte’s Heroics Propel Mets
Marte, who missed the previous game due to being hit by a pitch, stepped up when it mattered most. After an uneventful first seven innings, the Mets found themselves in a tight battle, until Marte’s single brought home automatic runner Harrison Bader from third base.
- Key Moments:
– Marte’s single marked his first game-ending RBI of the season.
– The victory marked the Mets’ 11th walk-off win this year, matching the highest in Major League Baseball.
“It’s a great feeling to be part of something special,” Marte said through a translator, as teammates descended upon him in celebration following the decisive hit.
Game Summary
The game developed slowly, with both teams struggling to score early on. Here’s a brief summary of key events:
- Innings one to seven: Both teams combined for limited offense, with the Mets leaving just two runners on base. The game appeared locked in a stalemate.
- Eighth inning: Jose Iglesias, replacing injured star Francisco Lindor, broke the deadlock with an RBI infield single, driving in Tyrone Taylor, who had doubled to lead off the inning.
- Ninth inning: An intense pitching duel continued, leading to extra innings.
- Tenth inning: Following Marte’s winning hit, the Mets celebrated a hard-fought victory.
Pitching Performances
The pitching played a crucial role in shaping the game’s outcome. Notable pitching highlights include:
- Sean Manaea (Mets):
– Pitched seven innings
– Allowed one run and four hits
– Showed consistency, marking his seventh consecutive outing lasting at least 6⅔ innings.
- Jake Irvin (Nationals):
– Threw 7⅓ innings
– Gave up one run on four hits
– Despite a solid performance, Irvin was unable to secure a win.
“Jake kept us in the game, but we just couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities,” said Nationals manager Dave Martinez.
Notable Absences
The Mets played without key player Francisco Lindor, who is dealing with a back injury. His absence was felt, with the team managing only two runners in scoring position until the eighth inning. Iglesias’ performance filled the gap effectively, extending his hitting streak to ten games and pushing his average to .323 for the season.
Nationals’ Ongoing Struggles
With this latest defeat, the Nationals are cemented in a troubling trend, marking their fifth consecutive losing season since their World Series victory in 2019. Current performance is a concern as they struggle to create offensive momentum.
- Team Statistics:
| Team | Wins | Losses</th |
|---|---|---|
| Mets | 82 | 68 |
| Nationals | 68 | 82 |
Tribute to Ed Kranepool
Before the game, the Mets honored the late Ed Kranepool with a touching video tribute and a moment of silence. Kranepool, a Mets legend, played his entire career with the team from 1962 to 1979. He holds the record for the most games played for the franchise. His grandson, Ethan, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, symbolizing the impact of Kranepool’s legacy on the organization.
“He really loved everything and anything he could do to contribute to the organization,” said Kranepool’s son, Keith, reflecting on his father’s commitment to the Mets.
Injury Updates
In terms of injuries, the Nationals missed shortstop CJ Abrams due to a shoulder issue, marking his fourth consecutive game on the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Mets remain hopeful for Lindor’s return as he deals with back soreness.
Both teams will look to regroup as they prepare for upcoming matchups. The Mets, buoyed by their recent success, aim to maintain momentum in the playoff race, while the Nationals face the challenge of closing out a disappointing season.
Conclusion
On Monday, the Mets played an exciting game that showed how strong they are as they try to make it to the playoffs. Starling Marte had an amazing moment at the end of the game that helped the team win. This win reminded everyone how important it is to work together and never give up in baseball. As the season comes to an end, every game matters, and the Mets are ready to take their chance!
