Nationals’ Bats Go Quiet as Mets Rally for 4-1 Win
The Washington Nationals received another strong start from Andrew Alvarez on Friday night, but the offense could not provide enough support as the New York Mets rallied for a 4-1 victory at Citi Field.
Washington managed only five hits and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position while leaving 10 runners on base. The Nationals held a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning before Francisco Lindor tied the game with a home run and New York scored four unanswered runs over the next two frames.
The loss dropped Washington to 60-64 overall and 33-28 on the road. New York improved to 54-69 and has now won seven of 10 games since the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Nationals Strike First
Washington broke through in the third inning.
CJ Abrams reached base and eventually advanced to third when Lindor committed a fielding error. Brady House then singled to center field, bringing Abrams home and giving the Nationals a 1-0 lead.
House was Washington’s most productive hitter, finishing 2-for-3 with the Nationals’ only RBI. Abrams reached base three times despite going hitless, drawing two walks and getting hit by a pitch. He also stole his 24th base of the season.
That would be all Washington could produce offensively.
The Nationals finished with five singles and no extra-base hits. Daylen Lile, José Vivas and Jacob Young each collected a hit, but Washington repeatedly failed to capitalize when runners reached base.
Alvarez Nearly Makes One Run Hold Up
Alvarez continued to give the Nationals quality innings.
The left-hander held the Mets scoreless through the first five innings while allowing just one hit. He entered the sixth protecting Washington’s 1-0 lead before Lindor finally broke through.
Lindor drove a pitch 409 feet to left field for a solo home run, tying the game at 1-1. It was the first home run Alvarez had surrendered in 56 2/3 innings, which represented the fourth-longest homerless streak by a Nationals pitcher since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005.
Alvarez remained in the game but could not escape the inning.
Bo Bichette reached base and Luis Robert Jr. followed before Carson Benge singled to right field to score Bichette and give New York its first lead, 2-1.
Alvarez departed after 5 2/3 innings having allowed only two hits and two earned runs. He walked one and struck out four while throwing 73 pitches, 47 for strikes.
The loss dropped Alvarez to 2-4 with a 3.72 ERA, but his record continues to undersell how effectively he has pitched. Alvarez has allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his first 10 starts this season.
Mets Add On in Seventh
New York created separation against the Washington bullpen in the seventh.
Jared Young led the damage with a 408-foot solo home run to right-center field, increasing the Mets’ lead to 3-1.
Bichette later singled to center field, scoring Luis Torrens and making it 4-1.
Jake Bird was charged with both seventh-inning runs after allowing three hits and walking one in one inning. Mike Kranick worked the final 1 1/3 innings without allowing a run and struck out three.
The Mets finished with seven hits, but their two home runs proved to be the major difference. Washington did not record an extra-base hit and totaled only five bases in the entire game compared with 14 for New York.
Nationals Let Opportunities Slip Away
Washington had chances to change the game.
The Nationals drew four walks and had multiple runners on base several times, but the lack of timely hitting continued to hurt.
They finished just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 runners.
One of their best opportunities came in the ninth.
Kodai Senga allowed Washington to bring the tying run into the on-deck circle with two outs, but he struck out Abimelec Ortiz to end the game and earn his second save of the season.
Senga has transitioned into a relief role after struggling as a starter earlier this season. Both of his saves have come since Devin Williams went on the injured list.
Jonathan Pintaro earned his first major league victory after throwing two scoreless innings of relief. Mets starter Robert Stock allowed Washington’s lone run, which was unearned, across 4 1/3 innings while striking out five.
MSB Take
This is a frustrating loss because Alvarez pitched well enough to win.
Holding an opponent to two hits through nearly six innings should give Washington an excellent chance, especially after the Nationals grabbed an early lead.
Instead, one swing from Lindor changed everything.
The bigger problem was what happened at the plate. Five hits, zero extra-base hits and 10 runners left on base is not going to get it done consistently.
Washington did enough to create opportunities. Abrams reached base repeatedly, House had two hits and the Nationals drew four walks. They simply could not finish rallies.
Alvarez remains one of the more encouraging developments for Washington. His ability to keep the ball in the park has been impressive, and even after finally surrendering a homer Friday, he limited New York to two runs.
The Nationals now sit at 60-64 with 38 games remaining. They are 14 games behind Atlanta in the National League East and entered Saturday fourth in the division.
If Washington wants to stay relevant down the stretch, games like Friday cannot continue slipping away when the starting pitching delivers.
Up Next
Washington continues its weekend series against New York on Saturday at Citi Field.
Right-hander Brad Lord (5-2, 3.79 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Nationals against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea (4-5, 4.13 ERA).
Final: Mets 4, Nationals 1
WP: Jonathan Pintaro (1-0)
LP: Andrew Alvarez (2-4)
Save: Kodai Senga (2)
