Mets snap five-game losing streak with walk-off win over Marlins
New York overcomes squandered lead to defeat Miami 9-7 on Fireworks Night
The New York Mets concluded a five-game losing streak with a dramatic 9-7 victory over the Miami Marlins on Friday night at Citi Field. The win was secured in the bottom of the tenth inning when MJ Melendez hit a two-run home run off Pete Fairbanks, snapping a tie game that had followed the Mets squandering a four-run lead.
Melendez, who entered the contest as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning, had previously contributed a sacrifice fly to extend New York’s advantage to 7-5. In the tenth, falling behind 0-2 in the count, he lofted a 98 mph fastball into the second deck in right field. Pinch-runner Vidal Bruján, serving as the automatic runner at second base, scored the winning run as Melendez flipped his bat and gestured toward the dugout on Fireworks Night.
Austin Warren (1-1) earned the victory by pitching a perfect tenth inning. Mark Vientos also provided offensive firepower for the Mets, launching a 445-foot home run earlier in the contest. The win marks the second consecutive victory for New York, who currently sit at the bottom of their division standings.
Miami’s starting pitcher Max Meyer lasted six innings, allowing six runs, five of which were earned, along with six hits. Despite the loss, Meyer had blanked New York on a single hit over seven innings in a previous series start that helped secure a three-game sweep for the Marlins. Kyle Stowers recorded three hits for Miami, including an RBI double.
Prior to the game, former manager Bobby Valentine and outfielder Lee Mazzilli were inducted into the Mets’ Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Citi Field. The teams will conclude the three-game series on Saturday, with Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips (0-1, 1.07 ERA) facing Mets right-hander Christian Scott (0-0, 3.20 ERA).
