New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) reacts after hitting a two run double against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning during Game 2 of the Wild Card series for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Big seventh inning helps Mets even Wild Card series with Padres

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/8/22

After a disastrous loss in Game 1 to the San Diego Padres and on the brink of elimination, the New York Mets bounced back on Saturday night, walking away with a 7-3 win in Game 2.

Holding a slim one-run lead in the seventh inning, the Mets blew Game 2 open. RBI from Jeff McNeil, Eduardo Escobar, and Daniel Vogelbach led to a four-run inning, putting New York ahead 7-2 heading into the eighth inning.

The 2022 NL batting champion had the biggest hit of the inning. With the score 3-2, McNeil laced a bases-loaded double, plating two runs.

JEFF MCNEIL WITH A HUGE BASES LOADED KNOCK

pic.twitter.com/2buznnyQLI
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) October 9, 2022

After Max Scherzer's disappointing effort in Game 1, Jacob deGrom took the hill for Game 2. deGrom threw six solid innings, allowing two earned runs off five hits while striking out eight.

Edwin Diaz and Adam Ottavino took over from there, combining for 3.0 scoreless innings to preserve the win.

The Padres did threaten in the top of the ninth, loading the bases and squeezing one run across the plate. However, they weren't able to put together a comeback.

The Mets will host the Padres for the deciding Game 3 Sunday afternoon at 4:07 p.m. ET

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