The New York Mets (45-24) capped off a three-game sweep of the Nationals (30-38) on Thursday afternoon at Citi Field, edging Washington 4-3 behind an early offensive jolt and another brilliant outing from Kodai Senga.
Jeff McNeil delivered the big blow in the first, continuing his torrid stretch with a three-run homer to right. With two out and two on, McNeil turned on a pitch from Michael Soroka and sent it just inside the foul pole, scoring Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto to give New York a 3-0 lead out of the gate.
Brandon Nimmo added to the cushion in the fifth with a solo shot off the right-field foul pole, his third homer in two games, as the Mets extended the lead to 4-0. Soto also stayed hot, ripping an opposite-field double in the seventh, his seventh extra-base hit of June.
Senga was nearly untouchable once again, tossing 5.2 shutout innings while lowering his MLB-best ERA to 1.47. He allowed just one hit and struck out five before exiting with a right hamstring strain after leaping for a throw at first. Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters after the game that Senga will go on the injured list, but the severity of the strain is unknown until he undergoes more tests.
The bullpen held firm until the ninth, when Ryne Stanek ran into trouble, allowing three straight hits before Edwin Díaz was called upon. Despite a walk and a single, Díaz shut the door with a popout and two grounders to secure the win.
The Mets open a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays at Citi Field on Friday at 7:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].