MIAMI — One night after the Mets had a dismal offensive showing against the Miami Marlins, they answered some questions with a 6-2 win to move to 2-1 in the series and on the season.
Mark Canha had a home run, a double, an RBI single, a walk and three runs scored and Omar Narvaez went 2 for 3 with two RBIs to beat the Marlins on Saturday at LoanDepot Park. Right-hander Tylor Megill went five innings to earn the win in place of Justin Verlander and the Mets played stellar defense behind him.
Pete Alonso made a fantastic play at first base in the seventh and Francisco Lindor made the play of the game in the sixth inning, showcasing elite range and a strong arm to get Bryan De La Cruz out and save two runs.
The narrative that the Mets can’t hit left-handed pitching reemerged Friday night after a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Marlins and lefty Jesus Luzardo. Two runs off of Andrew Nardi and two off of lefty Braxton Garrett don’t exactly put that narrative to rest but it helps alleviate it.
Canha took Garrett 403 feet to the bar in left-center in the seventh inning with two outs. It was almost a two-run home run since Alonso appeared to beat out Jean Segura’s throw from third base to lead off the inning. Replays appeared to show first baseman Garrett Cooper’s foot off the bag and the Mets challenged the play, but it was upheld after reviews.
With the game tied at 2-2 in the fifth and Nardi on to relieve Edward Cabrera (0-1), Jeff McNeil doubled down the left-field line to lead off the inning. He got a little help from third baseman Segura, who deflected the ball with his glove, but the Marlins were too slow to challenge the play. Alonso then doubled through the left gap to score McNeil and give the Mets a lead.
Two batters later, Canha drove him in with a single to right.
Lindor’s play came in the next frame when the Marlins had two on and two out. De La Cruz sent a hard grounder between second and third base. Lindor made the stop at the edge of the grass and nailed De La Cruz with a long throw to first base in time to make the out, end the inning and end the threat.
Starling Marte’s pinch-hit double scored Alonso in the ninth, giving the Mets an insurance run.
Dennis Santana, Drew Smith, Adam Ottavino and David Robertson tossed scoreless innings to secure the win.
