WASHINGTON -- The Mets have shown a consistent ability early this season to respond to rallies, never trailing for long. They showcased it again in the third inning Sunday, when Adrian Gonzalez belted a grand slam off the Nationals' Tanner Roark, turning a two-run deficit into a two-run lead in the Mets' 6-5, 12-inning win.
Batting with two outs and no one on in the third inning, the Mets drew three consecutive walks off Roark to load the bases. That brought up Gonzalez, who deposited the first pitch he saw, an 89-mph fastball up in the zone, into the Nationals' bullpen. It was Gonzalez's sixth career slam and his first home run since joining the Mets this past offseason.
"I was just looking for something middle of the plate," Gonzalez said. "Bases loaded, he kept nibbling and trying to pick at the corners. So I tried not to think too much and focus on something middle. He threw a fastball inside and I was just able to get the barrel to it."
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The 35-year-old Gonzalez has received consistent playing time against right-handed pitchers early in the season, entering the night batting .278 with just one RBI in seven games. The Mets have resisted moving right fielder Jay Bruce to first base, which would free up playing time for Brandon Nimmo, because they believe there is still plenty of thunder in Gonzalez's bat.
Bruce also hit a grand slam during the series, giving the Mets two in three games at Nationals Park.
"They've always had great pitching, and you just try to battle," Gonzalez said. "Today was one of those days where I was able to take a good swing in the right moment."