The New York Mets (21-27) squandered an early five-run lead Tuesday night as defensive mistakes and a difficult outing from Nolan McLean fueled a 9-6 loss to the Washington Nationals (24-25) at Nationals Park in Washington. After jumping ahead with a power-filled start, the Mets unraveled defensively and never recovered.
Bo Bichette powered New York’s fast start with two two-run home runs in the opening two innings, continuing his sudden offensive surge after entering the series with only two homers all season. The Mets looked firmly in control at 5-0 before everything shifted in the bottom of the second.
McLean retired the first two hitters quickly, but the inning spiraled almost instantly. A double, hit batter and infield single loaded the bases before James Wood cleared them with an inside-the-park grand slam after Nick Morabito narrowly missed a leaping catch at the wall. Washington added another homer in the third when Jose Tena tied the game, and the Nationals took the lead moments later against a rattled McLean.
The Mets’ defense only made matters worse in the fourth. Marcus Semien misplayed a potential double-play ball before an errant throw extended the inning, and another miscue at the plate allowed two more runs to score as Washington stretched the lead to four.
McLean allowed nine runs, six earned, over 5.2 innings, while Juan Soto homered in the seventh for New York.
The series continues Wednesday night at Nationals Park with first pitch set for 6:45 p.m. Left-hander Zach Thornton is expected to either start or pitch behind an opener for the Mets, while Washington will counter with right-hander Zack Littell (2-4, 6.10 ERA).
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].