Bryce Harper Meets The Mets

Nationals 8, Mets 2 (10 Innings)

After 3 hits in the first inning including a Bryce Harper homerun, the Nationals bats went quiet and they were no-hit for the next 7 innings.  But the Nats woke up in the 10th, scoring 6 runs on 5 hits, giving the Nats a 8-2 win in New York on Monday Night.  With the win the Nats picked up a game on the Braves and are now up 4.5 games.

Jordan Zimmermann was on track to be the 4th straight Nats starter to go 7 innings, but after throwing under 90 pitches, Davey Johnson took him out after 6.  Zim gave up only 1 run and 4 hits in his shortened stint.  The weather may have been a factor in the decision as it was wet and rainy out there, but the decision turned out to be questionable as the Mets would tie the game in the following inning.

Don't Blame The Mets (Via @NatsMemes)

Drew Storen was called upon to pitch the 7th inning, but after facing and gettin out only one batter, Davey made another interesting move.  The manager opted to go lefty/lefty to the Mets Ike Davis who proceeded to jack the game tying homer down the right field line.

Davey seems very unsure about his current bullpen situation.  He has already said he can't put his finger on what roles certain guys should play.  Taking out a former top closer after 1 batter just because of a matchup seemed an odd choice, and the Nats ended up paying.

The game went into extra innings and the Nats offense awoke.  Bryce Harper hit a bases loaded game-tying single in the 10th which was followed by a bases clearing double.  Morse capped off the inning with a 2 run shot and the Nats went on to win 8-2...a very odd score for a game in extras.

Corey Brown, called up after Dezzy went down, saw his first action of the night in the outfield for half an inning.

Another one with the Mets on Tuesday night.