Bo Bichette’s performance, highlighted by a home run, played a key role in the Mets’ 16-7, 12-inning win against the Nationals.
The victory followed an improbable comeback against the Yankees.
Bichette’s Performance
Before this game, Bichette’s performance had been a growing concern. Through his first 46 games with the Mets, Bichette accumulated -0.7 Wins Above Replacement. Only five Major League players had a worse record.
Bichette’s solo homer in the seventh inning was a turning point. It provided a run in a game that the Mets ultimately won with a 10-run rally in the 12th. The home run offered hope that Bichette can still be a productive member of the Mets.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza believes Bichette will overcome his struggles. “I know it’s been a big topic, but at the end of the year, we’re going to look back at these [seven] weeks and nobody’s going to be talking about this,” Mendoza said. “He’s that good of a hitter. He’s that good of a player.”
Key Moments in the Game
Bichette’s home run came with the Mets leading by a run. He blasted a curveball a Statcast-projected 409 feet over the left-field fence.
The 12th inning saw Bichette contribute further, with a single and a two-run double.
- Brett Baty hit the Mets’ longest home run of the season to date (451 feet).
- Carson Benge notched his third go-ahead, extra-inning RBI in the last week.
- Bichette finished 3-for-6 with a walk, two runs scored and three RBIs.
It was Bichette’s first multi-hit effort in 11 games. “I feel like I’ve had a lot of swings that have been really close lately,” he said.
Looking Ahead for Bichette
Through 47 games, Bichette is batting .219 with a .570 OPS. This latter mark ranks him 163rd out of 173 qualified MLB hitters.
Mendoza remains confident in Bichette’s ability to improve. “Eventually, it’s going to happen,” Mendoza said. “Good game today. I’m pretty sure that he’s going to get going here, and he’s going to carry us for quite a bit.”
Bichette feels his work has produced better at-bats lately. He said he was “just kind of waiting for something to connect to feel good about it.”