NEW YORK, NY – The diamond at Citi Field played host to a captivating day-night doubleheader on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets engaged in a true slugfest, each trading devastating grand slams en route to splitting the two-game set. It was a rollercoaster of emotions for both fanbases, featuring clutch hitting, dominant pitching, and a compelling narrative of resilience and redemption.
The day’s action kicked off under the afternoon sun with the Milwaukee Brewers flexing their offensive muscles, securing a decisive 7-2 victory over the struggling New York Mets in Game 1. The Brewers, riding a wave of recent success, demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
Milwaukee set the tone early when the ever-dangerous Sal Frelick launched a leadoff home run, immediately putting the Mets on their heels. But the defining moment of the opener belonged to Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz. In the sixth inning, with the bases loaded and the game knotted at 2-2, Ortiz delivered a tie-breaking grand slam. This wasn’t just a big hit; it was a testament to his recent surge, marking his fourth home run in his last six games and providing a significant momentum shift. Ortiz’s blast off Mets reliever Reed Garrett, who had entered the game with a low ERA but has struggled lately, turned a tight contest into a comfortable lead for the Brewers.
Adding to Milwaukee’s offensive display, rookie sensation Isaac Collins showcased his burgeoning talent, going a remarkable 4-for-4 with a home run and a walk, coming tantalizingly close to hitting for the cycle. On the mound, Brewers ace Freddy Peralta continued his dominant season, pitching six masterful innings of two-hit ball to earn his ninth win and fourth straight victory. His ability to stifle the Mets’ lineup, retiring eight consecutive batters after Pete Alonso’s RBI single in the fourth, highlighted his control and command. The Brewers’ comprehensive performance in Game 1 underscored their status as genuine contenders.
As dusk settled over Queens, the narrative flipped dramatically in Game 2. The New York Mets, desperate to snap a four-game losing streak and regain some much-needed confidence, roared back with a 7-3 victory that salvaged a split of the doubleheader. This win was a vital breath of fresh air for a team that had lost 14 of its last 17 games.
The Mets’ resurgence was ignited by a strategic lineup shuffle from manager Carlos Mendoza, moving the slumping All-Star Francisco Lindor out of the leadoff spot for the first time in 191 games. The move paid immediate dividends as Brandon Nimmo stepped into the leadoff role and delivered a thunderous grand slam in the second inning. Nimmo’s blast, his third career grand slam and second of the season, came off hard-throwing Brewers rookie phenom Jacob Misiorowski, who had been nearly unhittable in his previous starts. This monumental swing of the bat injected life into Citi Field and provided the Mets with a crucial early lead.
Not to be outdone, Francisco Lindor, now batting second, followed Nimmo’s grand slam with a solo home run of his own, marking a rare back-to-back grand slam and solo shot sequence. Lindor, who also added an RBI single and a run-scoring double, finished with three RBIs, proving that a change in batting order can sometimes be the spark a struggling star needs. His performance was particularly timely, coming on the same day he was announced as an All-Star starter.
The Mets also saw a standout performance from rookie pitcher Blade Tidwell, who earned his first career Major League win. Entering in relief of opener Huascar Brazobán, Tidwell pitched 4 1/3 innings, navigating through a sixth-inning hiccup where Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio hit back-to-back homers, but ultimately holding the Brewers offense in check. Veteran closer Edwin Díaz sealed the deal, recording his 17th save of the season with a dominant 1 1/3 innings, striking out three.
This doubleheader was a microcosm of baseball’s unpredictable nature. The Brewers showcased their consistent power and strong pitching in Game 1, while the Mets demonstrated their resilience and capability to turn the tide, especially with strategic adjustments and clutch hitting. For Milwaukee, the split ensures they remain a formidable presence in the NL Central. For New York, the Game 2 victory, fueled by the electrifying grand slam by Brandon Nimmo and a rejuvenated Francisco Lindor, offers a glimmer of hope and a much-needed morale boost as they continue their push in a competitive National League East. Fans can look forward to the series finale tonight, anticipating more thrilling MLB action between these two compelling teams.
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