- Brandon Nimmo ties Carlos Delgado’s 2008 Mets RBI record with 9 RBIs
- Historic performance features grand slam & three-run homer
- Mets improve to MLB-best 20-9 with ninth win in 11 games
- Griffin Canning extends personal streak with fourth straight victory
- Francisco Lindor first player since 2014 hit twice in one inning
In a stunning offensive showcase at Nationals Park, New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo rewrote franchise history books during Monday’s 19-5 demolition of Washington. The 32-year-old slugger demolished two crucial home runs while driving in nine runs – matching Carlos Delgado’s single-game Mets record set 16 years prior. This offensive explosion propelled New York to their ninth victory in 11 contests, solidifying their position as baseball’s winningest team through April.
Nimmo’s career-defining performance began modestly with a first-inning single before erupting in the sixth frame. With the Mets clinging to a 3-0 lead and two runners aboard, the Wyoming native crushed a 2-0 fastball 427 feet into right-center off reliever Colin Poche. One inning later, he cleared the bases again with a 412-foot grand slam – his first multi-homer game since August 2023. The left fielder punctuated his night with an eighth-inning double, plating two more runs to equal Delgado’s RBI benchmark.
This offensive outburst comes at a critical juncture for both player and team. Nimmo entered the contest batting just .149 over his previous 12 games, with no extra-base hits since April 12. The Mets’ recent surge coincides with improved bullpen management and timely hitting – they’ve outscored opponents 87-42 during their 9-2 stretch. Tuesday’s series opener against Arizona will test whether this momentum translates against National League West competition.
From a strategic perspective, manager Carlos Mendoza’s lineup construction proved pivotal. By slotting Nimmo fifth behind Pete Alonso, the Mets created RBI opportunities that the veteran outfielder converted with ruthless efficiency. This game also highlighted New York’s improved depth – seven different players recorded multiple hits, while Mark Vientos’ ninth-inning homer off position player Amed Rosario showcased the bench’s power potential.
The regional implications of this rout extend beyond the box score. Since 2020, the Mets have dominated NL East rivals in Washington, winning 14 of their last 17 games at Nationals Park. Monday’s victory marked their largest margin of victory in the capital since a 16-4 win in September 2019. With Philadelphia looming on Washington’s schedule, this loss exposes systemic pitching issues for the Nationals – their 5.23 team ERA ranks third-worst in the National League.
As both teams prepare for divisional matchups, this game offers critical insights for fantasy baseball managers and sports bettors. Nimmo’s breakout suggests buy-low opportunities in fantasy leagues, while the Mets’ bullpen (3.02 ERA since April 20) presents undervalued DFS potential. Conversely, Washington’s pitching staff remains high-risk – opposing teams have scored 8+ runs in 40% of Nationals home games this season.
