Jose Iglesias' two-run single keys Mets' four-run sixth in win over Nationals
The Mets' Jose Iglesias celebrates in the dugout after scoring in the sixth inning of a game against the Nationals at Citi Field on Wednesday. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
The Mets have crept ever closer to something that seemed laughable two months ago — playoff positioning. And with four home games left against last-place teams before the All-Star break, it’s not hard to envision them going into the so-called second half looking to grab a postseason spot.
Mark Vientos and Jose Iglesias had the key hits in a four-run rally in the sixth inning for a three-run lead, Luis Severino turned in a solid 6 1⁄3-inning start and the bullpen — with newly acquired Phil Maton available — made it stand up as the Mets defeated the Nationals 6-2 before 24,887 at Citi Field Wednesday night.
The victory — the Mets’ fourth in five games — combined with the Padres’ loss to the Mariners brings them within one-half game of the third NL wild card position.
“We know where we are, but it’s still July,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “It’s good that for the last month or so — especially with what we went through early in the year — that we’ve put ourselves in a better position. But we understand we still have work to do.”
“Anytime you’re in a playoff position, you’re going to be in a good spot,” Iglesias said. “But we understand as a group . . . it’s one thing at a time. That’s going to take you a long way.”
The Mets did not end up deploying Maton after Severino exited with a 5-2 lead, one on and one out in the seventh inning. The last eight outs came from — in order — lefty Jake Diekman, lefty Danny Young and righty Jose Butto, who earned his first career save.
The Mets trailed 2-1 going into the bottom of the sixth. J.D. Martinez and Pete Alonso started the rally with consecutive singles and Vientos doubled to the wall in right center to drive in the tying run. Alonso, who was prepared to tag-up, ended up at third base.
Washington brought in Derek Law and he walked Francisco Alvarez, setting the table for Iglesias to deliver the game’s biggest hit.
He laced a single up the middle and into center to bring in two runs and alertly moved into scoring position when Alvarez got caught in a rundown between second and third on the play for the first out. The 12-year veteran is 10-for-19 with runners in scoring position this season.
“He’s got bat-to-ball skills,” Mendoza said, “and when you have runners in scoring position that means a lot.”
Two batters later, Harrison Bader hit what could have been an inning-ending double play, but Nats second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. made an error on the throw to first allowing Iglesias to score and make it 5-2.
“Coming from behind again just speaks volumes to the way the offense doesn’t quit,” Iglesias said.
The Mets had 12 hits. Iglesias went 3-for-4, Vientos was 2-for-3 and Brandon Nimmo hit his 16th home run, a 440-foot blast, for a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Nimmo has a home run in three straight games.
Diekman got the final two outs of the seventh and Young — who was brought up earlier Wednesday — got the first two outs in the eight before allowing a hit. Butto got the final four outs.
First envisioned as a starter and then a long reliever, Butto said of this role, “It’s a little bit more pressure but you have to stay focused.”
Severino (6-3) allowed two runs on four hits, walked three and struck out four. In nine starts at Citi Field this season, he is 4-1 with a 2.51 ERA. He did, however, fail to back up home plate in the fourth inning allowing Washinton to go ahead 2-1.
Juan Yepez singled to right with two men on and outfielder Tyrone Taylor tried to cut down the tying run at the plate. His throw was offline and with Severino still on the mound a second run scored on the throwing error.
Regular rehab rest for Senga
The Mets are prepared have Kodai Senga make his third minor league rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A Syracuse before the All-Star break. Senga, who has been on the injured list all season with a shoulder injury, made his second on Tuesday with Syracuse, throwing 52 pitches over 2 2/3 innings. He gave up two hits, walked two and struck out three. He also threw a pair of wild pitches.
“I have no issues with my arm, it feels great, and my body feels great so that's a big plus,” Senga said through an interpreter afterward.
The righthander, who was 12-7 with a 2.98 ERA in his rookie season, hasn’t typically pitched on just four days rest, but the club has an interest in him getting one more appearance in before the All-Star break.
Roger Rubin returned to Newsday in 2018 to write about high schools, colleges and baseball following 20 years at the Daily News. A Baseball Hall of Fame voter since 2011, he has covered 13 MLB postseasons and 14 NCAA Final Fours.
