J.D. Martinez Calls Game With First Career Walk-Off Homer

The Mets entered Thursday’s action looking for a much-needed series win against the Miami Marlins. While the game’s starting pitcher Luis Severino did his part with six innings of one-run ball, the Mets offense failed to provide any impact for the majority of the night. J.D. Martinez started his night off in a promising fashion, […]

The post J.D. Martinez Calls Game With First Career Walk-Off Homer appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

The Mets entered Thursday’s action looking for a much-needed series win against the Miami Marlins.

While the game’s starting pitcher Luis Severino did his part with six innings of one-run ball, the Mets offense failed to provide any impact for the majority of the night.

J.D. Martinez started his night off in a promising fashion, sharply hitting a 102 mph flyout that traveled 348 feet to the opposite field. Martinez is no stranger to hitting the ball hard, with an 80th percentile 47.1 percent hard-hit rate this season.

Later on, Martinez struck a double down the left field line in the seventh inning. This extra-base hit played a vital part in the Mets rally that resulted in a run to cut their deficit to one.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Martinez had a chance to play the hero. The Mets were still down by one run, and Martinez could end the game with one swing with a runner on second.

And he did just that. Martinez blasted a two-run walk-off home run into right field, winning the game and the series for the Mets. This 106.9 mph home run traveled 409 feet and would have been a home run in 26 out of the 30 MLB ballparks.

J.D. CALLED GAME! pic.twitter.com/GUusPIb4WE

— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 14, 2024

Surprisingly, this was the first walk-off home run of Martinez’s storied career. He was well-aware of this milestone, as he discussed the constant reminders from his friends and family about his lack of a walk-off blast leading up to Thursday.

“Everyone always jokes about it with me, my friends and family and stuff.” He said, “All my friends are already on me. ‘It only took him 13 years.'”

While the slugger had a slow start to the season, he is now batting .271/.327/.458 with six long balls. He has a 95th percentile barrel rate of 16.3 percent, as well as a 92nd percentile xSLG (expected slugging percentage) of .510.

The Mets finally seem to have the production they have been looking for ever since the advent of the universal designated hitter. However, it is unclear whether they will keep Martinez around, given the current state of the team. While their recent play has increased the likelihood of a push for contention, this next month and a half leading up to the trade deadline will be pivotal as to whether he will stay.

Martinez discussed the team’s mindset as of late, which has likely contributed to the improved results.

“No one’s expecting us to do anything anymore. Let’s just go out there and enjoy it and have fun,” he said.

In Martinez’s case, this is easy advice to follow. Whether it is with the Mets or another franchise, Martinez knows that he will have a chance to compete for the playoffs this year. If he continues to perform well and build his value, he will have nothing to worry about.

The post J.D. Martinez Calls Game With First Career Walk-Off Homer appeared first on Metsmerized Online.