The Mets broke out the big lumber to keep their momentum going on Friday night at Citi Field.
Pete Alonso’s solo homer in the sixth inning was followed up by Jeff McNeil‘s three-run blast four batters later igniting the Mets to a 7-2 series-opening victory over the Houston Astros.
Alonso smacked his 17th of the season off of Ronel Blanco. However, nobody needed a big hit more than McNeil who clubbed his fourth of the season. McNeil entered Friday slashing .213/.276/.293 as the former batting champion is going through a career-worst season. However, the middle-infielders may have picked up some momentum going 3-for-4 in the club’s fourth straight win.
Southpaw Jose Quintana toed the mound for Carlos Mendoza’s and the veteran battled through some tough innings. Quintana allowed two runs — one from a Jose Altuve solo homer to lead off the game — on six hits while walking three in just four innings of work. However, while he allowed plenty of traffic on the bases, he avoided the big-hit to keep his club in the game. The 35-year-old’s season ERA sits at 4.57.
Mendoza’s stable was lights out after pulling his starter. Adam Ottavino, Dedinel Nunez and Jake Diekman combined for four scoreless innings before handing the ball off to Reed Garrett in the ninth. Garrett slammed the door as the Mets secured their 7-2 victory.
The Astros rode in on a seven-game winning streak as it was a battle of two of the hottest teams in baseball and the Mets came out on top.
Tylor Megill will take the ball on Saturday afternoon to try and secure a series victory. Framber Valdez will look to even the series up Joe Espada’s club.