The Mets strung together a four-run eighth inning to pull away from the Giants to win, 7-3, in the rubber match at Citi Field Thursday afternoon. >> Box score
Six things to know from Thursday's game...
1) The Mets delivered in the bottom of the eighth to blow the game open. It was Todd Frazier's two-run homer that broke the tie, making it a 5-3 game. But they weren't done as Juan Lagares' double brought home Adeiny Hechavarria. Then, Jeff McNeil brought his hot bat to the plate again, singling home Lagares to cap the four-run inning. It could've been more if Pete Alonso delivered with bases loaded, but he popped out.
2) Zack Wheeler, once again, went deep into the game. The righty went seven innings for the fourth consecutive start, allowing three runs on three hits while striking out six and walking one. Wheeler also allowed two homers, which makes it three of the last four starts that he has let up that many long balls.
3) Amed Rosario and Dom Smith gave the Mets an early lead with back-to-back homers in the bottom of the first. Both players continues their hot hitting, as Rosario homered last night and Smith's 2-for-3 performance gives him a .373 average on the season./
4) Overall, the Mets' offense was solid with 13 total hits on the day. McNeil went 2-for-2 with two RBI after pinch hitting for Rosario. There was also Lagares' 2-for-3 day and Hechavarria going 2-for-4.
5) After Wheeler's efficient outing, the Mets' bullpen only needed two arms to complete the game. Seth Lugo didn't allow a hit and struck out one during his eighth inning. And Jeurys Familia also had a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts credited to him.
6) The Mets haven't done particularly well in rubber games, as their win today moved their record to 2-6 on the season. Hopefully this changes that trend moving forward.
Highlights
Video: Todd Frazier's home run puts the Mets in the lead
Video: Amed Rosario homers, gets the Mets on the board
Video: Mets go back-to back, as Dom Smith goes deep
Video: Jeff McNeil steps in, steps up, and ties the game
What's next
The Mets start a new series with the Rockies at home on Friday at 7:10 p.m. Jacob deGrom gets the ball for the home team, while Antonio Senzatela will be on the mound for Colorado.