After the Mets’ thrilling Game 1 doubleheader win against the Braves on Monday, New York locked up a playoff spot and went into Game 2 with no incentive to compete. That became awfully clear in the ninth inning.
Despite hanging around for much of the game, the Mets ultimately lost Game 2, 3-0, giving their NL East rivals a trip to the postseason. And the Mets should probably expect a thank you card from Brian Snitker for one play in particular.
With no outs and a runner on first in the ninth, Brandon Nimmo hit a grounder between first and second that required Ozzie Albies to make a spinning attempt at the lead runner. But Nimmo — usually a full-effort player — ran about half speed to first as the Braves turned the double play. Yet, replays would show that Nimmo clearly beat the throw to first even with his low-intensity pace.
Two bizarre things about this Nimmo GIDP in the 9th.
1. I'm pretty sure he was safe? No challenge.
2. I know he doesn't want to get hurt, but he runs down the line harder when he draws a walk. pic.twitter.com/nE4vU5qzdI— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) September 30, 2024
The Mets could have (and should have) challenged the call, and Nimmo would have been ruled safe. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, though, didn’t make the signal to the umpiring crew and allowed play to continue. Pete Alonso grounded out to end the game a pitch later.
So, yeah, that was a massive favor from the Mets. It’s easy to understand why Nimmo wouldn’t want to risk injury with Champagne waiting on ice for him in the clubhouse. But it showed just how unwilling the Mets were to compete once they locked up that playoff spot. They had a celebration to get to and a flight to Milwaukee to catch.
Still, that sequence won’t make Diamondbacks fans happy as they head into a long offseason. It was as big of a gift as you’ll see from a division rival.
