Brandon Nimmo drove in two runs in his comeback from a scary incident in his hotel room, helping the New York Mets defeat the Washington Nationals 7-2 on Tuesday night in their second straight extra-inning win.
Nimmo, who injured his forehead after fainting and falling on Sunday night, entered the game in the fourth inning when Harrison Bader was taken out following a collision with the outfield wall.
In the eighth inning, Nimmo tied the game with an RBI single that brought Francisco Lindor home. Once the game went into extra innings, Nimmo was part of a flurry of hits against Robert Garcia (0-3).
“I really cherished the moments tonight … getting those key hits, just appreciating them because not every day is like this,” Nimmo said. “When incidents like this happen, it gives you a new perspective on playing this game and playing it at this level every day. When it’s briefly taken away from you, you realize how special it is, and you start to enjoy the little things even more.”
In a five-run 10th inning, José Iglesias doubled to put the Mets in the lead, Nimmo also doubled, and Pete Alonso hit his 18th home run of the season.
Lindor’s 14th home run in the sixth inning was the only run against Nationals rookie DJ Herz, who struck out 10 batters over 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits. Herz became only the second pitcher since 1901, alongside Stephen Strasburg, to have two 10-strikeout, no-walk games in his first six starts in the majors.
“I’m just focused on going out there and pitching,” Herz said. “I want to go deep into games and put my team in the best position to win. It’s nice to hear all the recognition, but my main goal is to do what’s best for my team.”
However, the Nationals’ bullpen faltered, first with Hunter Harvey struggling in the eighth inning, and then with Garcia giving up runs that led to the loss.
