The New York Mets delivered a night for the history books on Friday, unleashing a 19-run barrage that set a new record for the most runs ever scored at home in the team’s 64-year history.
The offensive outburst featured six home runs, with a jaw-dropping 12 runs in the first two innings alone.
The Mets wasted no time in chasing Marlins ace Eury Perez, knocking him out after just two outs in the opening inning. The key? Staying locked in on his fastball.
“He didn’t have his best stuff today, but he’s a really good arm,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Juan Soto and Brandon Nimmo stayed on the fastball. We knew we had to be ready and we didn’t miss. It came down to attacking the fastball.”
Soto and Nimmo combined for three of the Mets’ homers, with Nimmo going deep twice. His first blast off Perez capped a run where five straight Mets reached base to open the game.
“The guys were on his fastball pretty well,” Nimmo said. “He has an elite fastball, but we were able to put it in play, keep the line moving and turn it around.”
Breaking Down the Mets’ Historic Night
Here’s how Friday night’s offensive explosion stands in franchise history:
- Fourth time ever the Mets scored five or more runs before recording an out
- 12 runs in the first two innings – a new franchise record, breaking the previous mark of 10
- 20 plate appearances in the first two innings – also a franchise record
- Seven runs in the second inning – tied for their most in any inning this season
- Five runs in the first inning – tied for their season-high in an opening frame
“Good at-bats, up and down the lineup,” Mendoza said. “We got to a really good starter today, hit the ball out, went the other way with two strikes, controlled the strike zone. It’s always good when you’re talking about records. A really good performance.”
Nimmo agreed, adding: “It’s a testament to this offense. Over the last 10 days, guys have really come together. It shows what this team can do when it’s clicking. We’ve done it against good arms too. I’m proud of this offense and what we’re capable of.”
Ryan Helsley’s Pitch Adjustments
On the pitching side, Ryan Helsley is still working through a pitch tipping issue that he believes has been behind his recent struggles.
He gave up a leadoff double in his inning of work, but escaped damage thanks to strong defense from Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.
“The fact that he’s making adjustments, he’s trying,” Mendoza said. “Different hand positions today, threw strikes, got out of the inning. That’s what matters. You can only do so much dry work, but facing real batters tells you the truth. It was good for him to get that inning.
