Mets vs. Nationals Game 18 Recap

Mets RHP Rick Porcello (Credits to MetsMerizedOnline.com)

The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals 2-1 tonight for their second consecutive loss and dropped their record to 7-11. RHP Rick Porcello got off to a rocky start after he gave up a lead-off homer to SS Trea Turner in the top of the first inning.  In the top of the second inning, Porcello gave up singles to DH Howrie Kendrick and catcher Kurt Suzuki. He then gave up a RBI single to CF Victor Robles, but LF Dom Smith threw out Robles at third base to end the inning. Porcello settled down after that and threw four scoreless innings in the top of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings and was then taken out. His final line was 6 innings, 8 hits, 2 runs, 0 walks and 5 strikeouts. Porcello has looked much better in his last two starts and improved his control and command with no walks tonight. RHP Jared Hughes came in next and threw two scoreless innings in the top of the seventh and eighth inning. RHP Edwin Diaz followed and allowed a lead-off single to Kendrick to begin the top of the ninth, but then came back and struck out the side.

The offense was held scoreless against Nationals ace RHP Max Scherizer for the first three innings until the bottom of the fourth when rookie SS Andres Giminez  continued his torrid start to his young career with a triple and then 2B Luis Guilorme drove him in with a sacrifice fly. The bats went quiet after that and weren't able to capitalize with men on base, which has been a recurring theme all season long. They went 0-4 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.

The Mets next game is tomorrow night at home against the Nationals at 7:10 p.m.