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Home run from Francisco Alvarez propels the Mets to victory against the Nationals in their comeback game.
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WASHINGTON - Young gun Francisco Alvarez showcased his talents on a rainy Saturday, shaking up the Mets lineup.
Faced with a sluggish offense, the catcher, fresh off an injured list stint due to a spring training hamate bone surgery, drove in both Mets runs in a tight 2-0 win against the Nationals.
The Mets took their victory streak to 8 wins out of 9 games, bouncing back after a devastating 7-game winning streak halt.
Luis Torrens had gamely held down the fort at catcher during Alvarez's recovery, but the 23-year-old Alvarez sets himself apart with his electrifying offensive prowess.
"I've been working relentlessly on every aspect of my game," a humble Alvarez expressed, "So today, with results like this, truly means a great deal to me."
Alvarez's 2023 rookie season saw him belt in 25 home runs, but a torn thumb ligament hampered his 2024 performance. Now, Alvarez is back and ready for redemption.
In the 2nd inning, Alvarez unleashed a massive two-run bomb to give the Mets an early lead. He savaged a lofted slider from Brad Lord, sending the ball speeding inside the right-field foul pole after Jesse Winker had delivered a two-out single. In his subsequent at-bat, Alvarez again connected, this time finding the gap in right field.
"When I'm up to the plate, I focus about 80% on driving the ball to the middle and opposite field," Alvarez shared, "But there will be days when I pull the baseball."
The Mets (19-8) face another injury concern with A.J. Minter pulling up with triceps discomfort during the 8th inning. Minter is scheduled for an MRI exam, with an injured list placement seemingly imminent.
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Max Kranick sealed the 8th, while Edwin Diáz stepped up to earn the save in the 9th, pitching through a nagging left hip cramp.
Clay Holmes, returning from an appearance cut short by a left hip cramp, put in five scoreless innings, allowing just 4 hits and striking out 2. His performance brought his ERA down to a sparkling 2.64.
Despite a rain delay disrupting his rhythm, Holmes shone in the face of adversity, retiring 10 of 11 batters to complete his outing.
"It was challenging to keep myself calm and focused during the delay, but I gave it my all," Holmes revealed.
Danny Young struck out 3 in a scoreless 6th, while Reed Garrett steered the ship through the 7th. Garrett allowed two singles but retained his composure, retiring Dylan Crews and José Tena with the bases loaded.
Francisco Lindor earned a single via a well-placed bunt, while Juan Soto went hitless, finishing with a 0-4 scoreline after a 2-hit outing the previous day.
Alvarez's sensational home run served as the only difference in the closely fought game.
"Alvarez has the ability to leverage the entire field, and his knack for driving the ball with authority is what makes him such a special player," manager Carlos Mendoza commended.
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- Francisco Alvarez, back from an injury list stint, got two crucial RBIs in a 2-0 Mets win, continuing their winning streak to 8 out of 9 games.
- As Alvarez showcased his offensive prowess, Luis Torrens, who had been holding down the fort at catcher during Alvarez's recovery, was faced with a significant challenge.
- In addition to the thrilling baseball action, Post Sports+ subscribers can engage in real-time chats with Mets insider Mike Puma for exclusive inside scoops.
- Max Kranick, pitching through a nagging left hip cramp, sealed the 8th inning, while an MRI exam awaits A.J. Minter, who pulled up with triceps discomfort.
