Mets’ Nimmo scores two runs against the Nats after accident in hotel room

WASHINGTON – Brandon Nimmo had two RBIs in his return from a horrific accident in a hotel room and the New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 7-2 on Tuesday night for their second consecutive extra-innings victory.

Nimmo, who hit his forehead in a fainting fall Sunday night, entered the game in the fourth inning after Harrison Bader was taken out of the game after colliding with the wall in right-center field. He brought in Francisco Lindor for an RBI single to tie the game in the eighth inning and then was part of a hit-and-run streak against Robert Garcia (0-3) as the game went into overtime.

“I’m really enjoying the moments tonight … getting the big hits, just soaking it in, because not every day is like that,” Nimmo said. “When something like that happens, it’s a new perspective to be able to play this game and be able to play it at this level on a daily basis. When it’s taken away from you for a short time, you realize how special it is and you start to enjoy the little things a little more.”

In a five-run 10th inning, José Iglesias hit a double to give the Mets the lead. Nimmo also hit a double and Pete Alonso hit his 18th home run.

Lindor’s 14th home run in the sixth inning was the only blemish on Nationals rookie DJ Herz, who had 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Herz is the only pitcher since 1901, along with Stephen Strasburg, to have two games with 10 strikeouts and no walks in his first six major league games.

“I just go out there and shoot,” Herz said. “I just want to get deep in games and put the guys in the best position to win. It’s cool to hear all that stuff that comes with it, but I just try to go out there and do the best for my team.”

But Washington’s bullpen let heart down, first when Hunter Harvey was knocked down in the eighth inning and then when Garcia was blamed for the loss.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Mets became only the fourth team to score five or more runs in an extra inning in two consecutive games.

After Sean Manaea allowed one earned run and had five strikeouts in seven innings, Jose Butto gave the Mets exactly what they wanted when they brought him out of the bullpen. Butto (2-3) allowed just one hit in his first two innings in relief this season.

“We got two great innings out of him when we needed them,” manager Carlos Mendoza said.