Mets secure 2-1 victory over Nationals in 10th inning thriller

On Monday night, the New York Mets secured a crucial 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals in a tightly contested game that extended into the 10th inning. The Mets, playing without star shortstop Francisco Lindor due to a sore back, struggled offensively for much of the game, managing only two runners past first base in the first seven innings. However, they found a breakthrough in the eighth inning when Jose Iglesias, filling in for Lindor, hit an RBI infield single that allowed Tyrone Taylor to score from third base. In the 10th inning, the Mets capitalized on the automatic runner rule, with Harrison Bader advancing to third on a flyout. Starling Marte, who had missed the previous game due to a forearm injury, delivered a game-winning single off Jacob Barnes, bringing Bader home and securing the win. This marked the Mets' 11th walk-off victory of the season, tying them for the most in Major League Baseball. The victory was significant for the Mets as it moved them ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the final National League wild card spot, especially after the Braves suffered a heavy loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The win also ensured that the Mets clinched a winning season, while the Nationals faced their fifth consecutive losing season since their 2019 World Series triumph. Mets starter Sean Manaea pitched effectively, allowing just one run over seven innings, while Jake Irvin of the Nationals also performed well, giving up one run in 7 1/3 innings. The series continues with the next game scheduled for Tuesday night, featuring Mets pitcher Tylor Megill against Nationals pitcher Mitchell Parker.