The New York Mets erased much of an early deficit Friday night but could not complete the comeback, falling 7-6 to the Washington Nationals in the opener of their final series of the regular season.
The loss guarantees the Mets will finish last in the National League East over a full season for the first time since 2003.
New York struck first against Andrew Alvarez when Mark Vientos doubled home Juan Soto in the first inning. Bo Bichette’s RBI single and Vientos’ sacrifice fly in the third then put the Mets ahead 3-2.
Washington answered with a four-run third inning that featured four wild pitches from three different Mets pitchers. Jonathan Pintaro allowed three runs in one-third of an inning, while Cionel Pérez surrendered another run before the Mets finally escaped the inning.
Justin Hagenman provided four innings of relief and kept New York within striking distance, but Dylan Crews’ home run against him ultimately proved decisive.
The Mets responded in the fourth when Bichette and Carson Benge hit back-to-back home runs. Benge’s blast was his 20th of the season, making him the first Mets rookie to record at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season.
Francisco Alvarez added a sacrifice fly in the eighth, cutting Washington’s advantage to one, but New York could not find the tying run.
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A.J. Ewing was tossed from the game in the eighth for arguing a check-swing call, his first career ejection.
The Mets and Nationals continue their series Saturday at 12:35 p.m. Jonah Tong will make his final regular-season start against Connelly Early.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.