Lindor, Stroman lead Mets by Marlins in opener
New York — Francisco Lindor homered and drove in three runs, Marcus Stroman earned his 10th win and the New York Mets stopped a fivegame losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins in the opener of their doubleheader Tuesday.
Noah Syndergaard started the nightcap for New York, returning to a major league mound for the first time in two years and completing his comeback from Tommy John surgery. He topped out at 96 mph and struck out his first two batters in a perfect inning, throwing nine of 10 pitches for strikes.
Lewin Díaz launched a two-run homer in the first game for the last-place Marlins, who dropped their sixth straight.
Solid Stroman
Stroman (10-13) allowed two runs and five hits over five effective innings in his 33rd start this year — most in the majors — after sitting out the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. That matched his career high set in 2017 with Toronto, and he could make one more in the season finale Sunday before becoming a free agent.
“It’s extremely gratifying. I think it’s just a testament to the work I put in,” said Stroman, who also credited his personal trainer, his family and the Mets’ staff.
“I’m looking forward to free agency, however it may play out.”
The athletic right-hander won for the first time in six starts since an Aug. 22 victory at Dodger Stadium and even got his first career stolen base, the first for a Mets pitcher since Jacob deGrom in August 2017.
“I had a feeling he was going to go,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said.
A smiling Stroman also had some fun with Marlins leadoff man Jazz Chisholm Jr., playfully carrying him piggyback-style after they crossed paths on a play at first base.
Seth Lugo struck out two in a 1-23 sixth and Edwin Díaz did the same in the seventh for his 31st save in 37 chances.
New York took the opener of its 14th doubleheader this year — most by a big league team since the Mets played 19 and the Montreal Expos 15 in 1979, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Brandon Nimmo tripled on the third pitch from rookie opener Zach Thompson (2-7) and scored on Lindor’s single.
Jonathan Villar added an RBI single in the third, and New York got another run when third baseman Eddy Alvarez committed his second error in two innings.
Lindor connected for his 19th homer in the sixth, a two-run shot off lefty Steven Okert.
“I think it’s important for him to finish strong,” Rojas said.
Mets catcher Tomás Nido threw out two runners trying to steal second.
New York, eliminated from playoff contention last weekend following a second-half swoon, had dropped 10 of 11 heading into its final home series of a disappointing season.
The single-admission doubleheader, with both games set for seven innings under pandemic rules, was scheduled to make up a Sept. 1 rainout at Citi Field.