If you were writing a how-to manual on coming back from a three-run, first-inning deficit, scoring 12 unanswered runs would be a strong start.
The Mets were down by three before they even had a chance to bat on Monday night. Then they got two runs back in the bottom of the first, added four in the second, three in the third and three more in the fourth. At the end of the Memorial Day game, the Mets had a 13-5 win, having opened a lead so huge that it’s funny to realize they were once playing from behind.
As with any blowout, there were plenty of players on the winning side that had colossal nights. But Nick Plummer, the 25-year-old making his second career start in the major leagues, certainly had the most memorable. Plummer had three hits, including his second home run in as many nights. The opposite field shot on Monday made Plummer the first player in Mets’ history with multiple home runs after just two starts.
Plummer also ripped a game-tying hit for the second night in a row. While the latter one lacked the drama of Sunday’s home run in the ninth inning, a double to knot things up in the second inning of Monday’s game was helpful as well. By Plummer’s next at-bat in the fourth inning, the Mets had taken a sledgehammer to Washington’s pitching, and the rookie’s home run pushed the lead to 12-3.
Nearly every Met who saw the field on Monday chipped in something meaningful, but the top of the order was on a whole other level. Luis Guillorme, Starling Marte and Francisco Lindor did not record an out in any of their first three plate appearances. The trio started the game by going 8-for-8 with a Marte home run, a Guillorme walk, and seven RBI between them. Lindor, who continues to disappoint sectors of the fanbase that expect a higher batting average, now has 40 RBI.
To reach that milestone by Memorial Day is impressive enough. But in the context of the league, it looks even better. When the Mets’ game ended, those 40 RBI led all major league shortstops and trailed only Pete Alonso and Paul Goldschmidt for the National League lead. Lindor’s two RBI on Monday also extended his streak to eight straight games with a run driven in. The Mets are the only team in baseball with two players already at 40 RBI.
Coming into the season, robust numbers from Lindor and Alonso are what the Mets were expecting. They could not have foreseen such a phenomenal start from Luis Guillorme, though. Ticketed for a reserve role coming out of spring training, Guillorme has wedged his way into the starting lineup after some recent injuries and his own play making him difficult to keep on the bench. The bearded infielder got just 33 plate appearances in April compared to 60 in May. He started to catch fire at the end of April, and since April 21 he owns a ridiculous .500 on-base percentage, meaning he gets on base as often he records an out.
On Monday, he went 2-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored. The performance helped the Mets accomplish several notable feats, as their 14 hits through the first four innings tied a club record. They also plated multiple runs in the first four innings for the first time since May 29, 1994.
Late in the evening with the game already out of reach, Alonso launched his 13th homer of the season, taking a pitch at the knees into straightaway center field. Starling Marte’s 3-for-4 line with four RBI looks pretty great too, as does two more hits and a walk for on-base machine Mark Canha.
Knowing that they run the gauntlet of California teams soon, with visits to the Dodgers, Padres and Angels immediately after the Nationals series, the Mets did not play with their food on Monday night. They devoured it. With embattled Nats’ starter Patrick Corbin taking the hill on Tuesday with his league-worst 6.30 ERA, the Mets are in a great position to keep on eating.
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