The host Washington Nationals(53-104) took advantage of some shaky New York Mets defense to score the decisive run in the 8th, helping them defeat NY 4-3. The Mets were stacked to an early 3-0 lead with a bases loaded walk to CF Carlos Beltran in the 1st and rbi hits from LF Angel Pagan and 3B David Wright in the 2nd. Nationals SS Ian Desmond homered with a runner on in the 5th to make it 3-2. All star 3B Ryan Zimmerman tied the score later in the inning with an rbi single. Mets starter Mike Pelfrey(10-12,5.03) went 7 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 runs while K-ing 2 and walking 1.
Back to back throws from SS Anderson Hernandez and 2B Luis Castillo(throw went into the Nationals dugout) were off target and allowed the Nats to take the lead in the 8th.“It was kind of embarrassing to watch that kind of play — especially at that time of the game,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. “Poor, poor, poor defensive play.” The mistakes allowed reliever Tyler Clippard(3-2,2.91, 3 holds) to earn the win while Nationals closer Mike MacDougal earned his 18 save with a scoreless ninth.
Star of the Game: Desmond-Promising rookie looks like a long term answer for the Nationals in the infield.
Mets starting line-up:
1- LF Angel Pagan
2- 2B Luis Castillo
3- 3B David Wright
4- CF Carlos Beltran
5- 1B Daniel Murphy
6- RF Jeff Francoeur
7- C Brian Schneider
8- SS Wilson Valdez
9- Pitcher
Game Notes: LH RP Pedro Feliciano tied his own club appearance record(86 games).”Perpetual” Pedro set the mark last season… Pagan had 3 hits while Wright added 2… Error numbers: Hernandez(12) and Castillo(11) … Game time 2:37… Less than 20,000 people in attendance(19,614)… Mets Manager Jerry Manuel: “We have to put forth a better effort than we did tonight.”… NY is now 67-91
Bobby V update: Ex- Manager Bobby Valentine has rejoined ESPN after finishing his season in Japan. He claims to have an out clasue in his contract and described the Mets season as a “tragedy”.
Next Game:
Wednesday, series finale vs Washington at Nationals Park
4:35
Mets RH Tim Redding(3-6,5.29) vs. Nationals LH John Lannan(9-13,3.93)
