UPDATE: In a stunning display of power and pitching, the New York Mets dominated the Miami Marlins with a jaw-dropping 19-9 victory on July 14, 2023. The night was highlighted by Jonah Tong‘s impressive major league debut, where he allowed just one earned run over five innings before a sellout crowd of 42,112 at Citi Field.
Tong, a 22-year-old Canadian right-hander, received a standing ovation as he stepped onto the mound, throwing a flawless six-pitch first inning. His performance was met with excitement as the Mets quickly built a commanding 5-0 lead, which expanded to 12-0 in the second inning.
With a unique over-the-top delivery reminiscent of Tim Lincecum, Tong struck out six batters and issued no walks, showcasing precision with 63 of his 97 pitches landing in the strike zone. The audience erupted as the Mets continued their offensive onslaught.
In the first inning, Juan Soto launched a two-run homer, followed by a three-run shot from Brandon Nimmo before the first out was recorded. The power surge continued with Pete Alonso hitting a two-run homer in the second inning, while Nimmo added a solo shot in the sixth. Mark Vientos and Luis Torrens contributed significantly, with Torrens hitting a three-run blast during a six-run eighth inning.
Despite the overwhelming score, Tong faced challenges in the fifth inning, allowing four runs after fielding errors by Francisco Lindor and Alonso. Lindor dropped a critical throw on a force attempt, while Alonso misplayed a grounder, allowing a Marlins rally. Tong concluded his outing with a strikeout against Liam Hicks, firing a 95 mph fastball for a called third strike.
This victory marks the Mets’ ninth win in their last thirteen games, demonstrating their resilience and strength as they push through the season. Fans are buzzing with excitement for Tong’s future as he begins his major league career on such a high note.
As the Mets prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Tong to see if he can maintain this momentum and become a cornerstone of the pitching rotation. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!
