The Mets defeated the Nationals tonight at Citi Field, by a score of 4-0.
Matt Harvey and Max Scherzer matched each other pretty much pitch for pitch until the bottom of the fourth, when Michael Cuddyer tucked a solo home run over the center field fence.
In the fifth inning, Juan Lagares made another, beautiful, Lagares-esque catch to save a hit.
Right after, however, Wilmer Flores made his seventh error of the season throwing to first base. Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad, as the Mets were able to keep the Nationals off the scoreboard.
In the bottom of the fifth, Curtis Granderson doubled with two outs, but was later called out trying to score on a Juan Lagares single.
Matt Harvey retired the first two batters of the seventh, but then subsequently walked Bryce Harper. Harper tried to steal second base, and was initially called safe, but after Terry Collins challenged the play, the call was overturned, ending the inning.
Harvey’s final line has him pitching seven strong innings, allowing zero runs on five hits, while striking out three and walking one, earning his fifth straight win!!!
Max Scherzer had another strong outing for the Nats, as he also went seven innings, allowing just the one run on the Cuddyer home run, and striking out ten Mets hitters.
Matt Thornton came on to pitch for the Nationals in the eighth inning, and put two men on. He was replaced by Blake Treinen, who walked Michael Cuddyer to load the bases. Juan Lagares then made Washington pay, lining a ball over Jayson Werth who misplayed the ball, allowing all three runs to score.
Jeurys Familia came on for a rare five out save and lived up to the task, earning his tenth save of the season.
Great win tonight! Lots of excitement, and as many games we can win against the Nats, the better! Harvey pitched great as usual, Familia has been outstanding, and we get back in the win column!
The Mets take on the Nationals tomorrow for the third game of the series. Jon Niese opposes Gio Gonzalez at 7:10 pm.
