Mets Lose Dramatic Extra-Inning Game to Nationals 5-3

QUEENS, New York — The New York Mets staged a dramatic ninth-inning comeback but ultimately lost 5-3 to the Washington Nationals in 11 innings on Saturday night. Daylen Lile hit an inside-the-park home run that proved to be the game-winner.

With a runner on first and one out in the 11th, Lile drove a 2-2 pitch from Tyler Rogers off the center-field wall. The ball bounced away from the outfielders as Lile rounded the bases, sliding headfirst to score after the relay throw was high.

PJ Poulin closed out the game, retiring the side in order in the bottom of the inning for his first career save.

This loss was particularly painful for the Mets, who started the day with a two-game lead over Cincinnati for the final National League wild card. They have lost 10 of their last 14 games, making the defeat sting even more amid their struggle.

The Nationals, sitting in last place, ended a six-game losing streak with this victory, ensuring they won’t finish the season with 100 losses. New York struggled to find rhythm against three Washington pitchers, not scoring until the eighth inning when Francisco Álvarez delivered a two-run double. Juan Soto later tied the game with an RBI single in the ninth.

Lile finished the game with three runs batted in and maintained a .377 batting average over his last 20 games. Mets rookie Nolan McLean pitched five innings with three runs allowed, one earned, but faced challenges due to defensive errors.

Key moments included Soto’s fielding error, which was his first of the season, and multiple missed opportunities for the Mets, who went 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Looking ahead, the Mets will try to avoid losing their second straight series to the Nationals with a rematch set for Sunday at Citi Field. Sean Manaea is scheduled to pitch for New York against the Nationals’ Patrick Corbin.