National Stage Huge Rally to Stun Mets

It got ugly for New York Mets fans at Citi Field Monday night. 

The Washington National shelled the Mets' bullpen to score six runs in the eighth-inning, spoiling a mostly-great outing from Jacob deGrom, en route to an 8-6 Nats' win.

New York's offense built a 6-1 lead, and deGrom was cruisin': 11 Ks over seven innings, yielding a run on four hits. He allowed two hits while adding a 12th strikeout in the eighth before the Mets' bullpen broke.

Seth Lugo, Jerry Blevins, A.J. Ramos and Jeurys Familia combined to allow four runs in a never-ending-eighth, (including two more that charged to deGrom's line) on four hits and three walks. The only reliever of the four not charged with allowing a run was Familia, who walked in the go-ahead run before recording the final out on a hard line-drive to left field.

Bryce Harper finished with two-hits, a first inning homer and a two-RBI single in Washington's big eighth, and Howie Kenderick added an insurance-run-homer in the ninth off Hansel Robles.

Asdrubal Cabrera had four hits to lead the Mets' offense, including two runs scored and a pair of RBIs. Cabrera made a crucial base running mistake with one out in the bottom of the ninth to all but kill New York's rally attempt. After doubling down the third base line, Cabrera was caught trying to steal third on ball that was bounced by Washington closer Ryan Madson. Catcher Pedro Severino recovered the ball and threw out Cabrera for the second out.

The Mets (12-3) and Nationals (8-9) resume the series Tuesday night. Game two starters are Zach Wheeler (1-0, 1.29) and Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 2.20).