The Mets (7-6) defeated the Nationals (4-11) by a score of 5-2 tonight at Shea. John Maine (1-1) got the win for the Mets, going 6.2 innings, and allowing two runs on five hits.
Maine openly showed his frustration when he was taken out of the game in the 7th inning, hoping he could have secured the third out. Joe Smith came in and quickly finished the job, striking out Ryan Zimmerman to end the inning. Smith now has given up just one run in 6.2 innings, earning himself three holds.
Tonight was all about the longball. Ryan Church homered off Nationals starter Matt Chico in the 2nd to tie the game at 1. Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes then took advantage of a tiring Chico, both smashing their 1st home runs of the year into the left field bleachers in the 5th.
Joe Smith looked great in relief, going 1.1 innings, allowing no hits and just a single HBP to Lastings Milledge
Billy Wagner pitched a spotless 9th for his second save of the year, in thanks to a great catch by Beltran on a Wily Mo Pena flyball.
Matt Chico (0-3) took the loss for the Nats. Billy Wagner got the save.
The Mets go for the sweep tomorrow. Pitching for the Mets will be Nelson Figueroa. Pitching for the Nats will be John Lannan.
