Mets ride Francisco Lindor’s big day to win over Nationals in 1st game of doubleheader

The Mets’ offense needed a boost, and so did Francisco Lindor. The team had been shut out in back-to-back games, and Lindor was stuck in a 0-for-11 skid entering Saturday.

Both those droughts ended in a big way.

Lindor went 3-for-4 with two home runs and 5 RBI to power the Mets to a 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals in the first game of a doubleheader at Nationals Park in Washington.

The offensive outburst from the Mets’ shortstop backed up another strong outing for starting pitcher David Peterson. While Peterson didn’t get the win since he was removed with two outs in the fifth inning, he allowed one run on two hits. He struck out six and walked three while throwing a season-high 94 pitches.

Lindor opened the scoring with a two-run home run to center field in the top of the first inning, scoring Jonathan Villar after he singled to lead off the game.

Lindor then added a RBI single in the top of the third inning, scoring Peterson from second after he reached base following a hit by pitch.

Peterson added his first career hit when he doubled in the top of the fifth inning, and Lindor promptly scored him again with his second home run of the day. Lindor launched a 414-foot shot to the upper deck in right field to mark his first two-home run game as a Met.

All of Lindor’s production came off Nationals starter Joe Ross. Ross pitched five innings, surrendering five runs on six hits while striking out five.

Peterson gave up a two-out double to Nationals shortstop Trea Turner in the bottom of the fifth inning, prompting Mets manager Luis Rojas to go to the bullpen, despite a 5-0 lead. Aaron Loup entered and surrendered a RBI single to Juan Soto, but he got out of the inning without further damage.

Miguel Castro, Seth Lugo and Trevor May combined to close out the game in the sixth and seventh innings.

Mets trade Jacob Barnes to Blue Jays

During the game, the Mets announced relief pitcher Jacob Barnes was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for minor-league pitcher Troy Miller.

Barnes had a 6.27 ERA in 19 games during his first season with the Mets. Miller, 24, has spent time in Double A and Single A this season.

Next up

Rojas said the starter for game two of the doubleheader would be decided after the opening game. Taijuan Walker will pitch the series finale for the Mets against Nationals starter Patrick Corbin on Sunday.

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