Final Score: Nationals 3, Mets 2 — Bobby Poornell

Bobby Parnell blew both the save and the game in the ninth inning tonight against the Nationals, as Steve Lombardozzi won it with a walk-off sacrifice fly. Parnell was handed a 2-1 lead to start the final frame, but allowed well-struck hits to the first three batters he faced. Ryan Zimmerman led off with a double and advanced to third base on a wild pitch. Adam LaRoche followed with an RBI single, which tied the game. Ian Desmond then doubled, advancing LaRoche to third base. Terry Collins called for an intentional walk of Roger Bernadina to load the bases and Lombardozzi hit the ninth pitch of his at-bat deep enough into left field to drive home LaRoche for the game-winning sac fly. Ballgame over.

The loss was a waste of a terrific outing by Jeremy Hefner, who gave up one run in seven innings, striking out seven and walking one. Brandon Lyon pitched a one-two-three inning in relief of Hefner before giving way to the ill-fated Parnell.

The Mets lineup didn't do much against Nats starter Jordan Zimmermann. Omar Quintanilla and Jordany Valdespin each had two hits but every other Mets batter posted an 0-fer. Quintanilla hit a two-run triple in the fifth inning, giving the Mets a 2-1 lead. He is now 9-for-18 since being called up from Triple-A Vegas.

The Mets have lost four in a row and that sweep of the Yankees feels very distant.

Game Thread Roll Call

Nice job by MetsFan4Decades; her effort in the game thread embiggens us all.