For a moment, it appeared like the Mets were going to be in an unexpectedly tight game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through five-and-a-half, the game was knotted at 2-2.

At that point, Taijuan Walker was done after allowing two runs over five. It wasn’t his best outing by any stretch, but he did keep the Mets in the game.

Finally, in the sixth, the Mets offense exploded against JT Brubaker and the Prates bullpen:

• Brandon Nimmo single
• Francisco Lindor walk
• Dominic Smith RBI single (3-2)
• Pete Alonso three run homer (6-2)

https://twitter.com/mets/status/1413673454545645570?s=21

• Jeff McNeil single
• Michael Conforto walk
• Jonathan Villar strikeout
• James McCann walk
• Jose Peraza PH HBP (7-2)
• Nimmo RBI walk (8-2)
• Lindor grand slam (12-2)

https://twitter.com/mets/status/1413673454545645570?s=21

With that 10 run rally, the game was blown open, and the Mets were well on their way to a 13-4 victory. Aaron Loup was the winning pitcher after pitching a scoreless sixth.

What’s incredible to think about is even with the Mets scoring 13 runs, Nimmo, McCann, and Villar were the only players with multi-hit games. In terms of Villar, both hits were homers:

.@JRvillar6 has homered from both sides of the plate and this one was a no-doubter! pic.twitter.com/9qoa7Hp6mn

— New York Mets (@Mets) July 10, 2021

Even though this was a laugher, the end was annoying. Nick Tropeano and Yennsy Diaz couldn’t find the zone and both allowed runs. There was also a roughly 40 minute rain delay.

Even with that nuisance, this was a good win for a team now assured of entering the All-Star Break in first place. They can further cement that spot during this seven game stretch against the Pirates.

Game Notes: Walker was officially named an All-Star after the game. Jacob deGrom is opting out of the game.