Holy hell, what a game.

Summary

This one tailed into extra innings and had a real playoff atmosphere to it. The biggest flaw of the Mets was exposed AGAIN as the bullpen could not hold down leads in the ninth or tenth inning.

This is not a recap I will enjoy writing, but there were positives to take away from this game. It was Jon Niese vs Ross Detwiler in a hell of a pitching duel for the first seven innings. Niese allowed a stingy three hits and zero walks, while striking out eight in dominant fashion. His only problem was a solo shot given up to Tyler Moore, on a well placed pitch, so tip your hat to the hitter right there. Ramon Ramirez got the first two outs in the eighth, but then Josh Edgin took over. Edgin allowed a walk to DeRosa, who stole second, and was driven in by a double by Lombardozzi, giving the Nationals a two-run cushion at that point.

The Mets would pick up three in the ninth off Tyler Clippard however, all coming off an incredibly clutch three-run home run by Jordany Valdespin, who continues to earn my respect. Thole and Wright had singled previously. This gave the Mets the lead going into the ninth, which Bobby Parnell proceeded to you know… give up. Three hits in the ninth caused him despair, and it was a shame, because he had just picked up a huge strikeout right before the third hit.

A great job by Josh Thole in the tenth with an opposite field RBI 2B off ex-Brave Mike Gonzalez drove home the fourth run, which put the Mets on top once again going into the bottom of the inning. However, when a ringing liner by Bryce Harper left him on the third after he nearly tackled Wright, and drove home the tying run, the Mets had given up the lead once again.

They would proceed to walk the bases loaded with one out, and Byrdak induced a ground ball to first which was thrown home. So we have bases loaded and two out.

Enter Pedro Beato. Wild pitch, Zimmerman scores… yeah.

Tough. Damn.

Goat of the Game

Collectively, the Mets bullpen.

Notes

Jason Bay returned and went 0 – 3. Valdespin was actually pinch-hitting for him in the ninth. It was his fifth HR in barely over 70 ABs. Parnell picked up blown save number 5 on the evening, as well.

Offense was dead until the ninth. We had a chance against Detwiler with three singles early, but we could not pull through.

Up Next

The series continues tomorrow evening with Chris Young taking on Jordan Zimmermann. 7:05 PM.