Final Score: Nationals 4, Mets 1—Bats stymied by A.J. Cole

Noah Syndergaard did his part, keeping the Nationals to two runs over seven innings, but the Mets’ offense chose slumber over lumber in losing 4-1. A.J. Cole, making just his fourth career start, held the Mets to one run on three hits in six innings.

The Mets’ lone run was provided by—who else?—Asdrubal Cabrera on—what else?—a solo home run in the fourth inning. He went 2-for-3 with a walk on the night. Jay Bruce was the only other Met with a hit.

The Mets’ best chance to turn this game around came in the seventh inning when Rene Rivera walked and Travis d’Arnaud was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with two outs against reliever Koda Glover. Marc Rzepczynski came on to strike out Jose Reyes and end the threat.

The Nationals tacked on two extra runs in the top of the ninth to put the game out of reach. The Giants, Cardinals, Marlins, and Pirates all lost so the Mets tread water in the National League Wild Card race instead of gaining ground on the whole pack.

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