Mets Drop Heartbreaker As Jacob Young Steals The Show
The New York Mets suffered a frustrating 3–2 loss to the Washington Nationals on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field, missing an opportunity to gain ground in the Wild Card race.
Washington struck quickly in the second inning against Sean Manaea. Daylen Lile opened the inning with a single, followed by Jorge Alfaro, who doubled him home, aided by a throwing error from Francisco Lindor on the relay. With two outs, rookie Nasim Nuñez delivered a blow with a two-run homer to left-center, putting the Nationals ahead 3–0. Manaea’s outing ended after three innings, during which he allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits while recording three strikeouts.
The Mets responded in the third inning when Luis Torrens doubled and scored on Cedric Mullins‘ RBI single. However, the play ended with a scary incident as Nationals outfielder Daylen Lile collided with the wall while pursuing the ball. He left the game with what appeared to be a knee injury and was replaced by Robert Hassell III.
New York had opportunities to extend their scoring but failed to capitalize. In the same inning, Lindor hit a sharp line drive that resulted in a double play at first base. Later, Juan Soto doubled and advanced to third on a balk but was ultimately stranded. Irvin kept the Mets off balance, striking out five and conceding just two runs over 5 1/3 innings. Lindor hit a solo homer in the sixth inning for the Mets’ second run.
With two runners on base in the sixth, the Nationals brought in Mitchell Parker, who escaped the jam by striking out Mark Vientos. Vientos was then ejected in the bottom of the sixth for slamming his bat after a controversial check swing call. Parker finished the game with 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and recording two strikeouts for his first save.
Defensive errors proved costly for New York. Lindor’s throwing error in the second inning and Pete Alonso’s fielding error in the fourth gave Washington extra chances, while the Nationals’ defense made several highlight-reel plays. Center fielder Jacob Young robbed Francisco Alvarez of a potential game-tying homer in the ninth inning, marking one of two spectacular catches on the day, including an impressive grab on a Brett Baty fly ball where he bobbled it off his glove, and snagged it out of the air after it kicked off his foot.
A positive note came from the bullpen, as Clay Holmes, Brooks Raley, Gregory Soto, and Edwin Díaz combined for six shutout innings, striking out nine batters and allowing only one hit. Díaz struck out the side in the ninth to keep the deficit at one run, but the Mets went quietly in the bottom half of the inning, sealing their fate.
With this loss, New York fell to 80–76, remaining a half-game ahead of the Reds for the final Wild Card spot, but that lead could evaporate depending on Cincinnati’s result later today.
Player of the Game: Clay Holmes
Clay Holmes was impressive in relief, entering the game in the fourth inning after Manaea’s brief outing and successfully stranding a runner. The right-hander pitcher threw three scoreless innings, striking out four batters while allowing only two hits and no walks. His ability to halt the opposing team’s momentum gave the Mets a chance to get back into the game, even though the offense struggled to take advantage of the opportunities.
On Deck
The Mets are looking to bounce back after a day off on Monday as they begin a three-game series against the Cubs on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. New York (80–75) will send David Peterson (9–6, 3.98 ERA) to the mound to face Chicago’s Cade Horton (11–4, 2.66 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 pm ET. The game will be broadcast on SNY and Mets Radio (WHSQ 880 AM / Audacy App 92.3 HD2).
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