The New York Mets picked up a much-needed win Thursday night, beating the San Diego Padres 6-1 to take the series two games to one. Rookie right-hander Jonah Tong led the way, allowing one run over five innings while striking out eight.
Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo supplied the run support, each homering and driving in multiple runs. Batting third and fourth, Alonso and Nimmo combined for five of the Mets’ six RBIs.
At 22, Tong became the first Mets starter age 22 or younger to strike out at least eight batters in a game since 2015, when Noah Syndergaard struck out nine against the Phillies on Aug. 25. If Jonah Tong and fellow rookie Noah McLean continue to pitch well, they could become intriguing X-factors for the Mets in October. With just 10 combined starts this season, the duo has the advantage of unfamiliarity, as many opponents have yet to face them.
The win came at a critical time in the National League wild-card race. With nine games left, New York sits two games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds for the final playoff spot, while the San Francisco Giants remain three games back.
Although nothing is guaranteed, the Mets have the chance to control their own destiny. They’ll host the Washington Nationals this weekend before finishing the regular season with two three-game road series against the Cubs and Marlins. With Arizona and Cincinnati facing tougher competition down the stretch, New York has a little breathing room in its bid to reach October.
