Thrilling Finish as Mets Edge Out Nationals in Extra Innings at Citi Field
NEW YORK – Just moments before the Washington Nationals could settle into their defensive positions for the bottom of the 10th inning, Jeff McNeil ignited the rally with a decisive swing at Cole Henry’s first pitch. The versatile New York Mets batter drove a double down the right field line, and Robert Hassell III’s relay throw home arrived too late to prevent the automatic runner from scoring. The Mets secured a narrow 5-4 victory over the Nationals on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to four games while handing Washington its third consecutive defeat at Citi Field.
Game Summary: A Microcosm of Washington’s Struggles
The conclusion of the game encapsulated the Nationals’ recent challenges. Washington (30-36) appeared poised to claim the win but faltered at a critical moment, illustrating how quickly fortunes can shift in baseball. Manager Dave Martinez reflected on the game’s pivotal moments, emphasizing the danger of underestimating a potent opponent like the Mets. “They’re a team capable of explosive offense at any time,” he noted. “You can’t afford to let them hang around or get back into the game. They’ll capitalize on those opportunities.”
Turning Points and Defensive Lapses
Earlier in the contest, Washington held a 4-2 lead, but a series of defensive missteps allowed New York to rally. In the eighth inning, Jose A. Ferrer struck out the first two batters he faced but then issued a walk to Starling Marte, who subsequently scored on a well-placed liner by Juan Soto. Soto’s hit, a sinking line drive, caught Hassell off guard, bouncing off his glove and over his head-an early-season issue for the rookie outfielder. Hassell’s attempt to dive for the ball was unsuccessful, and the misplay allowed Marte to score, narrowing the Nationals’ lead to 4-3.
Washington’s closer, Kyle Finnegan, was brought in to face Pete Alonso. The slugger responded with a clutch single to left field, tying the game at 4-4 before being thrown out attempting to reach second base. “I should’ve made that play,” Hassell admitted afterward, reflecting on the critical error that shifted momentum.
Late-Inning Drama and Missed Opportunities
Neither team managed to score in the ninth inning, setting the stage for a tense extra frame. The Nationals had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 10th but left CJ Abrams stranded on third base. Meanwhile, the Mets capitalized on their opportunity in the bottom half, with McNeil’s decisive single sealing the victory. This win marked the Mets’ fourth straight triumph, while Washington suffered its third consecutive loss.
Offensive Highlights and Player Performances
Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Nationals showcased some offensive promise. Abrams went 3-for-4, demonstrating signs of breaking out of an early June slump. The team had struggled offensively in recent weeks, scoring only 11 runs across their first seven games of June-the fewest in Major League Baseball during that span. To spark their offense, Washington recalled infielder Andrés Chaparro from Triple-A Rochester, hoping his right-handed power bat could provide a boost. Chaparro made an immediate impact, doubling in the eighth inning before flying out in the tenth.
However, the team’s offensive woes extended beyond power. They were overly aggressive at the plate, chasing pitches outside the strike zone and not drawing enough walks. Their star players also faced slumps; James Wood, for instance, entered the game batting just .091 in June, with only 2 hits in 22 at-bats, including eight strikeouts. Abrams was slightly better at .160, with four hits in 25 at-bats and six strikeouts. Manager Martinez opted to give Abrams a day off on Sunday to address his chase tendencies, which tend to worsen during slumps.
Key Moments and Player Contributions
In the opening inning, Abrams ignited the offense with a double off Griffin Canning’s changeup. Wood followed with a productive groundout, advancing Abrams to third base. Nathaniel Lowe then delivered a two-run homer, giving Washington an early 2-0 lead. In the second inning, Abrams continued his offensive surge with a double that scored Alex Call, extending the Nationals’ lead to 3-0.
The Mets responded with resilience. McNeil, who has historically hit well against MacKenzie Gore, singled in a run in the second inning. Soto’s solo homer in the third cut the deficit to 3-2, and as he rounded the bases, he exchanged words with catcher Keibert Ruiz, signaling a competitive edge. Gore settled in afterward, retiring 10 of the last 11 batters he faced and reclaiming the MLB lead with 114 strikeouts after six innings pitched.
Washington’s offensive momentum was briefly restored when Abrams hit an opposite-field solo shot in the fifth, pushing the lead to 4-2. Yet, the Mets chipped away, eventually tying the game and forcing extra innings. Despite their best offensive effort this month, the Nationals couldn’t hold on for the win.
Roster Moves and Injury Updates
In roster news, the Nationals claimed right-handed reliever Ryan Loutos off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding him to their 40-man roster. Loutos, 26, has appeared in five major league games with an 8.44 ERA, primarily struggling with command. In the minors, he’s posted a solid 2.41 ERA over 15 appearances, with opponents batting just .176 against him. This move provides Washington with additional bullpen depth, especially as they manage Cade Cavalli’s workload following Tommy John surgery recovery. The team’s other relievers, including Andry Lara, Shinnosuke Ogasawara, and Mason Thompson, are rehabbing injuries and unavailable for regular duty.
Meanwhile, third baseman Paul DeJong, who suffered a severe facial injury after being hit by a pitch on April 15, took batting practice for the first time since his injury. Wearing a protective helmet with a front flap, DeJong is progressing in his recovery from a broken nose, cheekbone, and orbital floor, signaling a positive step toward returning to game action.
