Juan Soto delivered another standout performance as the Mets defeated the Nationals, 12-6, to open their series at Citi Field on Friday night. Soto’s towering 408-foot homer to center in the fourth inning, part of a six-run rally, marked his 42nd of the season and set a new career high, prompting chants of “MVP” from the home crowd.
Soto reached base four times, continuing his dominant season in which he became the franchise’s first 40/30 player, combining home runs and stolen bases. His power helped the Mets overcome defensive lapses on both sides, including multiple errors by Dylan Crews and a rough outing from rookie Brandon Sproat, who allowed four earned runs over four innings in his third big-league start.
Mets relievers Brooks Raley, Ryne Stanek, Ryan Helsley, Tyler Rogers, and Chris Devenski combined for 4.2 scoreless innings after Huascar Brazobán struggled.
Key hits from Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Francisco Álvarez, Starling Marte, and Brandon Nimmo extended the lead, turning a 4-4 tie into a commanding advantage.
The victory marked the Mets’ fourth in five games, keeping them two games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League’s final wild-card spot.
Box Score | NL Wild Card Standings
The Mets will give the ball to another rookie on Saturday as Nolan McLean makes his seventh Major League start. The game is slated to start at 4:10 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].