Six-Run Fifth Inning Boosts Mets to 8-3 Win Over Diamondbacks

The Mets (69-63) took the opening game against the Diamondbacks (75-57) with a 8-3 win on Tuesday evening at Chase Field. An early, record-tying home run by Pete Alonso, a six-run fifth inning and a solid performance from Sean Manaea on the bump propelled the club to the six games over .500 mark. 

Manaea tossed 6 2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts for his fourth double-digit strikeout game this year. He threw six shutout innings before allowing three runs in the seventh on a pair of home runs. Despite the long balls, it was a strong outing for the left-hander, who brought home his 10th win of the season. This marked the Mets’ first 10-game winner this year — with Severino getting a chance at the feat in his outing Wednesday evening. 

Reed Garrett, Phil Maton, Danny Young and Adam Ottavino all supported in relief, combining for 2 1/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts. 

At the plate, the Mets notched 13 hits. Pete Alonso gave the club an early lead with a solo homer in the second. It was his 220th career home run, tying him with Mike Piazza for third place on the Mets’ all-time list. Jeff McNeil hustled down the line and beat out a potential double play, securing an RBI on a fielder’s choice to extend New York’s lead to 2-0.

In an explosive fifth inning, the Mets sent 12 batters to the plate and scored six runs to blow the game open. McNeil led off with a double, followed by an RBI single from Francisco Alvarez. Francisco Lindor and Mark Vientos each added base hits, with Vientos driving in another run. Nimmo then loaded the bases with a single before Jesse Winker hit a sacrifice fly. J.D. Martinez followed with an infield hit to reload the bases.

After Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt was pulled, reliever Jordan Montgomery hit Tyrone Taylor with his first pitch, bringing in another run. McNeil walked to force in another, and Alvarez’s grounder was bobbled at shortstop, resulting in an error that pushed the Mets to a final eight runs. 

Of note, Lindor hit his 35th double of the year to extend his on-base streak to 25 games. 

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Sean Manaea earns Tuesday’s honor after a dominant 6 2/3 innings and 11 strikeouts. The starter has a 2.93 ERA in his last 14 starts, with a 3.51 ERA on the season. His four 10-strikeout games this season are the most by a Mets lefty since Johan Santana in 2009.

ON DECK

Luis Severino (9-6, 3.84 ERA) will start on the mound Wednesday as the Mets look to take the series against Arizona. The Diamondbacks’ starter will be Eduardo Rodriguez  (2-0, 3.94 ERA). SNY will air the game at 9:40 p.m.

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