METS TAKE THREE OF FOUR FROM NATIONALS AND TAKE OVER FIRST PLACE IN THE NL EAST

Game 1  at Nationals Field

WAS 3  NY  2

The Mets took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a 2 RBI double by Kevin McReynolds. Bryce Harper got one back for the Nats with a solo HR (4) in the 4^th. Tom Seaver was in command and took a 2-1 lead into the 7^th but in the 7^th, Washington scored 2 runs on 3 hits as Ryan Zimmerman had the big blow – a pinch hit double scoring two runs. That proved to be enough as Washington held on for the 3-2 win. Tyler Clippard saved it (9) for starter Tanner Roark (2-1). Seaver pitched well in defeat but drops to 1-3 on the year.

 

Game 2 at Nationals Field

NY 5 WAS 4

The Mets took an early 5-0 lead and held on for the victory, despite a big rally by the Nats in the bottom of the 9^th.

The Mets scored 4 in the first, off Gio Gonzalez, on an error by 1B Zimmerman, a 2 RBI double by Strawberry and a sac fly by Howard Johnson. Kevin McReynolds hit a solo dinger (3) in the 3^rd to make it 5-0. With Jerry Koosman cruising along, it looked like it would be an easy Mets win but the Nats stormed back. Bryce Harper homered in the 7^th – his second HR in two days and 5^th of the year to make it 5-1. Then in the bottom of the 9^th, Washington came to life. Kendrick singled in a run to make it 5-2. Koosman then loaded the bases by walking Taylor, with two out. In came Tug McGraw and pinch hitter Adrian Sanchez  greeted him with a double scoring 2 and making it 5-4. Tying run now on 3^rd and winning run on 2d for pinch hitter Jayson Werth. But McGraw fanned him to get his 5^th save of the year and give the Mets a split in DC.

Game 3 at Shea Stadium 1G of DH

NY 2 WAS 0

The Mets came home to Shea Stadium and did not disappoint the sellout crowd. Darryl Strawberry hit a 2 run HR in the 4^th – his 6^th of the year – to give the Mets all the runs they would need. Gary Gentry (3-0) was sensational as he went 8 1/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6. Tug McGraw came on in the 9^th and picked up his second save in two days and his 6^th of the year – in 6 opportunities. Steven Strasburg (2-2) pitched a complete game in a hard luck loss as he gave up only 4 hits and struck out 9.

 

Game 4 at Shea Stadium 2G of DH

NY 1 WAS 0

In the second game of the twin bill, Jim McAndrew (3-1) pitched the game of his life with a

complete game 1 hit shutout of the powerful Nationals. McAndrew took a no hitter into the 7^th when Bryce Harper’s lead off single broke up the gem. That would be the only hit for Washington. The righthander from Iowa walked 3 and struck out 8. Jordan Zimmerman (2-1) was the hard luck loser as he went 7 2/3, allowing only 1 run on 5 hits. The only run of the game came in the first inning when Strawberry’s sac fly scored Lenny Dykstra who had reached base on a lead off bunt single.

Gary Gentry and Jim McAndrew are now 3 and 4 in the NL ERA leaders at 1.86 and 1.89 respectively. The Nats Strasburg (2.60) and Zimmerman (2.34) are 9^th and 7^th. McAndrew and Gentry are also tied for second in most Wins with 3. McGraw and Washington’s Drew Storen are tied for the lead in Saves with 6. Washington’s Daniel Murphy is 6^th in batting (.359) and Harper is 10^th (.338). Trea Turner leads the NL in SBs with 7 for Washington with the Mets McReynolds and Dykstra second with 5 each. The Mets great 1970 pitching staff has a Team ERA of 2.68, best in the league – with the Nats 2014 pitchers second in the league at 2.89.

The Mets are now 13-8, 1 game ahead of the 12-9 Nationals – with the Cubs and Pirates both at 10-7 pending the results of their games this week against the Cardinals and Phillies respectively. Next for the Mets- a three game series against NL West leading LA Dodgers. Washington will play Cincinnati (6-11).

--submitted by Alan Raylesberg--