Nats’ Bullpen Fails Again, Mets Win 6-5
The story is already getting old. The Washington Nationals’ bullpen failed to hold a lead. Again. This time the collapse of Dave Martinez’ relieving squad resulted in a 6-5 loss to the New York Mets on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Nats to a 3-4 record this season, while the Mets improve to 6-2 on the year.
Patrick Corbin took the mound for Washington and threw five strong innings, only giving up a home run to JD Davis in the fourth set. In the sixth, however, Corbin struggled, allowing a second homer from Davis and a shot from Michael Conforto.
The Nationals rebounded in the seventh and eighth innings, scoring one off a passed ball in the seventh, and three more off homers from Anthony Rendon and Wilmer Difo in the eighth to take a 5-3 lead.
Unfortunately, the Washington bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Justin Miller gave up back-to-back homers to Pete Alonso and Robinson Cano in the eighth. Tony Sipp then came in to allow the go-ahead run off a single by Keon Broxton. It was the sixth time in seven games that the Nats’ pitching folded in the eighth inning, giving up crucial runs.
Sunday, the Nationals’ send Max Scherzer to the mound to face Zach Wheeler in New York. Hopefully, the Nats’ bullpen can get some rest behind their ace’s arm.