The Mets (21-11) split the opening two of a three-game series against the Nationals (11-21) with an 8-3 loss on Wednesday evening in Washington D.C. New York starting pitcher Tylor Megill allowed eight runs on eight hits through one and 1/3 innings, giving the Nats an early lead that the club failed to respond to. The offense notched eight hits, left seven on base, and went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
The Mets took an early three-run lead after three of the club’s first four batters of the evening crossed home. Brandon Nimmo led off with a two-base knock and was driven home by Starling Marte. Pete Alonso followed with a two-run bomb to score Marte for his eighth homer of the season and now leads the National League in RBIs. Alonso trails Jose Ramirez by just one for the MLB lead.
Washington countered with eight runs scored off of Mets’ starter, Tylor Megill, to swiftly push him out of the game after just one and 1/3 innings. Megill has allowed just nine runs through his first six starts of 2022, but couldn’t get into his groove on Wednesday night. The right-hander allowed a career-high eight hits and surrendered two homers hit by Juan Soto (two-run) and Nelson Cruz (three-run).
Trevor Williams entered in relief in the second and tossed three and 2/3 innings with just two hits allowed. Stephen Nogosek capped the night with three scoreless frames and three strikeouts.
Despite strong showings from the bullpen, New York’s offense failed to wake up. The Mets attempted a rally in the ninth but fell short as a pair of hits from Eduardo Escobar and Jeff McNeil were followed by three straight outs to end the game. Escobar ended an 0-for-20 skid with the opposite-field single.
Player of the Game
Pete Alonso earns Wednesday’s honor after going 2-for-4 at the plate with a home run and two RBIs.
On Deck
The Mets look to take the series on Thursday evening in the final of the three-game set. Taijuan Walker (0-0, 4.91 ERA) will face off with Nationals’ right-hander Joan Adon (1-5, 6.99 ERA). In his last outing, Walker allowed seven runs on nine hits through four innings pitched against Philadelphia. Prior to this outing, Walker had not allowed a run through two previous starts this season. Adon last pitched against the Angels and gave up three runs on three hits through five innings pitched. The rookie walked five batters and currently leads the league in walks surrendered with 18 through six games. Fans can catch the game live on SNY, MLB Network, or WCBS 880 at 1:05 PM ET.
Let’s go Mets!
