The New York Mets turned Citi Field into a slugfest on Friday night in Jonah Tong’s Major League debut, erupting for a franchise-record 19 runs in a home game to rout the Miami Marlins, 19-9.
Tong, just 22, showed flashes of why he sped through the minors. He struck out six without a walk, allowing only one earned run while being charged with four overall due to a pair of defensive miscues. He leaned on a mid-90s fastball complemented by a sharp curve and fading changeup, keeping Miami hitters off balance despite some deep counts.
New York wasted no time burying Miami, scoring five runs in the first and seven more in the second to build a 12-0 lead. Juan Soto ignited the outburst with a two-run home run, Brandon Nimmo added a three-run blast, and Pete Alonso launched a two-run shot as the Mets battered three Marlins pitchers before the third inning. Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Lindor chipped in with run-scoring doubles, while Nimmo later added a second homer. In all, the Mets belted six long balls.
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The series continues Saturday afternoon with David Peterson set to face Edward Cabrera at 4:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].