The New York Mets blew a late lead and fell to the Washington Nationals 5-4 on Thursday afternoon at Citi Field, dropping to 10-21 and losing the series as their awful start to the season continued. A two-run homer allowed in the eighth inning erased a narrow lead and sealed another frustrating defeat.
New York rallied from an early deficit, using a third-inning surge to get back into the game. After back-to-back singles, MJ Melendez delivered a two-strike home run to right field to tie the score. The Mets later took a 4-3 lead in the sixth when Mark Vientos drove in the go-ahead run following a sacrifice bunt that moved Juan Soto into scoring position.
Starter Freddy Peralta gave the Mets a chance, allowing just one earned run across his outing while working through traffic and recording six strikeouts. He exited in line for the win after New York’s go-ahead rally.
The game turned in the eighth when Luke Weaver surrendered a two-run home run that put Washington back in front. The Mets had one final chance in the ninth, putting the tying run in scoring position, but could not deliver the equalizer.
Despite a few offensive flashes, New York continued to struggle for consistency at the plate, contributing to another close loss during a difficult stretch.
The Mets open a road series Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, with first pitch scheduled for 9:38 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].