Mets Vs. Nationals: No Sweep For Washington; Mets Win, 9-5

David Wright hit two home runs as the New York Mets salvaged the final game of a three-game series and defeated the Washington Nationals, 9-5 Thursday afternoon at Nationals Park.

Washington's loss, coupled with Atlanta's 3-2 win over San Francisco, shaved the Nationals' lead in the NL East to 3.5 games. Washington and Atlanta begin a four-game series at Nationals Park Friday night.

Gio Gonzalez was chased after 3.1 innings. He allowed six runs on six hits and three walks, while striking out only two. Craig Stammen's day in relief of Gonzalez started just as roughly, as he allowed an RBI single to the first batter he faced, Ruben Tejada, which made the score 6-1. Two batters later, David Wright hit his second home run of the afternoon to make the score 9-1.

Nationals manager Davey Johnson pulled Ryan Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche, and Bryce Harper in the middle innings, but Washington still scored a run in the sixth, two runs in the eighth, and another in the ninth to make the final score more respectable.

Drew Storen made his season debut for the Nationals and pitched a perfect ninth inning, retiring the side on just nine pitches.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the series.

Nationals Vs. Mets Update: Gio Gonzalez Rocked For Five Runs In Three-Plus Innings, New York Leads 6-1

It has not been a pretty start for Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez was pulled after three and one-third innings, allowing five runs on six hits including two home runs. On the other side of the ball, only one batter has been able to solve New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickie and trail 6-1 in the top of the fourth.

The first inning saw Mets third baseman David Wright hit a two-run home run to give the Mets the early lead. Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman cut the Mets lead in half with a solo home run, but the Nationals have managed only three more hits as the Mets used a solo home run by first baseman Ike Davis, and runs scored by Ruben Tejada and Andres Torres gave the Mets a four run lead.

Even though reliever Craig Stammen has entered the game, it hasn't gotten any better for the Nationals, as an RBI by Tejada extended the lead.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the series.

Mets Vs. Nationals: Ian Desmond Out Again As Nationals Go For Sweep

The Washington Nationals will attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon at Nationals Park. For the fifth consecutive game, the Nationals will be without the services of Ian Desmond, who continues to struggle with a hurting oblique muscle.

The full lineup is below.

#Nats 7/19 Lineup: Lombo 2B, Harper RF, Zim 3B, LaRoche 1B, Morse LF, Espinosa SS, Bernadina CF, Flores C, Gonzalez LHP

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 19, 2012

Thursday afternoon's starting pitching matchup is a dandy as Washington's Gio Gonzalez faces New York's R.A. Dickey. If either starter gets a decision, he would take over the National League lead in wins with 13.

The game is set to get underway at 12:35 and can be seen on MASN.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the series.

Rick Ankiel Designated For Assignment To Make Room For Drew Storen, According To Report

Via a report from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Rick Ankiel has been designated for assignment by the Washington Nationals so the team can make room for pitcher Drew Storen who has been on the disabled list for the entire 2012 season so far.

Storen, the Nationals closer in 2011, finished in a tie for sixth in the MLB in saves with 43 and sported a 6-3 record with a 2.75 ERA. However, given the success of Tyler Clippard in Storen's absence there are questions whether or not Storen will assume that role once again.

After early season injuries to the outfield earned Ankiel some starts, he hasn't started much since. The .228 batting average, .282 on-base percentage, and .694 OPS from the 33-year old veteran wasn't enough for the NL-leading Nationals and will likely spell the end of his career with the team.

For more on this transaction and all things Washington Nationals baseball, please check out Federal Baseball. For more from around the majors, visit Baseball Nation.

Mets Vs. Nationals: Washington Holds On For 4-3 Win

Tyler Clippard recorded his 15th save of the season despite allowing two home runs in the top of the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals defeated the New York Mets 4-3 Wednesday night at Nationals Park.

Washington entered the 9th with a 4-1 lead after Steve Lombardozzi drove in two runs with a double off the right-center field wall in the bottom of the seventh inning. However, Clippard allowed solo shots to David Wright and Jason Bay before striking out Jordany Valdespin to end the game.

The Nationals took a 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning on Adam LaRoche's two-run, opposite-field home run to left center field. New York cut the lead in half in the top of the seventh when Andres Torres singled to drive in Lucas Duda before Torres was cut down trying to reach second base.

Jordan Zimmermann improved his record to 7-6 with another quality start. The right-hander pitched six shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out four without walking anyone. Zimmermann has pitched at least six innings in all 19 of his starts this season.

The Nationals will go for the sweep of the three-game series Thursday afternoon. Gio Gonzalez is slated to face R.A. Dickey. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the series.

Nationals Vs. Mets: Wednesday Starting Lineups

With wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour and thunderstorms hitting the Washington D.C. area, Wednesday night's contest between the Nationals and New York Mets at Nationals Park might very well be postponed. If not, here are tonight's lineups for the Nats courtesy of the team's official Twitter account:

#Nats 7/18 Lineup: Lombardozzi 2B, Harper CF, Zimmerman 3B, LaRoche 1B, Morse RF, Moore LF, Espinosa SS, Flores C, Zimmermann RHP

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 18, 2012

For the fourth straight day, Ian Desmond will be out of the lineup for the Nationals as he recovers from left oblique soreness. He did, though, enter Tuesday night's contest as a pinch runner.

First pitch between the Nats and Mets on Wednesday is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST and televised on ESPN and MASN.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for updates throughout the series.

Mets Vs. Nationals: Washington Looking For Another Win Behind Jordan Zimmermann

The Washington Nationals opened their series with the New York Mets on Tuesday night in dramatic fashion, trading leads in the final two innings before a wild pitch gave Washington the win. Any drama in Wednesday's game will have the attention of a national audience with the game being broadcast on ESPN.

Jordan Zimmermann gets the call for Washington, looking for his fourth win in five starts. The last time the 26-year-old righty allowed more than three earned runs was in May. His 2.48 ERA is tops among Washington's mighty rotation. Zimmermann struck out five and allowed two earned runs in his last start against the Mets, a no-decision on June 5.

Opposing Zimmermann is Chris Young. The Mets' right-hander was thumped in his last outing, giving up five runs in just three innings of work against Atlanta. He has yet to win in the month of July.

Washington has been without shortstop Ian Desmond for their last three games, and they could be without him again on Wednesday as he recovers from a sore oblique.

The game starts at 7:00 p.m. at Nationals Park, and will can be seen on ESPN and online via ESPN3.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue.

Mets Vs. Nationals Recap: Washington Wins Thriller, 5-4 In 10 Innings

The Washington Nationals opened their first home series of the second half on Tuesday night with a thrilling 5-4 over the New York Mets. The Nats appeared to be on their way to a 1-0 win in a game that was well on its way to wrapping up in two and half hours. But a wild series of back-and-forth rallies in the ninth and tenth innings quickly turned this into one of the most exciting games of the season. After blowing a 2-0 lead in the ninth, the Nats would stage comebacks in both the ninth and 10th, walking off on a wild pitch that scored Ryan Zimmerman from third.

The Mets came to town six games back of the NL East leaders and looking to make up some ground, but Ross Detwiler stepped up to keep New York at bay. Washington was coming off a frustrating series finale loss in Miami and Detwiler was fantastic, allowing just five hits in seven shutout innings. He walked no one and struck out four as he quickly worked through the Mets lineup.

Detwiler was countered by Jonathon Niese, who was pretty impressive in his own right. Niese gave up just three hits and one earned run while fanning eight Nationals. Tyler Moore, who's consistently come through during his limited opportunities, ripped a solo homer over the right field wall in the bottom of the fifth that broke the scoreless tie.

Washington would add what looked like an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth against the New York bullpen. Mark DeRosa pinch hit in the pitcher's spot and drew a walk off Josh Edgin, who came on with two outs in the inning. DeRosa would then take second on his first steal of the season, getting a good jump and sliding in under the throw. Stephen Lombardozzi came through with the RBI single, bringing home DeRosa by catching an Edgin offering and pulling a rope to left field.

Tyler Clippard, who had an adventurous save against Miami in his last outing on Sunday, came on in the ninth looking to convert his 15th save of the season. But Clippard would give it away, allowing back-to-back singles to start the inning. After quickly striking out Scott Hairston, Jordany Valdespin would step into the box to pinch hit for Jason Bay.

Valdespin, who had already hit three pinch-hit homers this season off some of the game's best, took an 0-2 offering into the first row in right centerfield. It hit off a fan's hand and then ricocheted off the wall and back into the field of play. After some initial confusion, it was ruled a homer as Valdespin rounded second base and that call was upheld upon replay review.

Facing the Mets bullpen, the Nationals were undeterred and came back in the bottom of the ninth. Bobby Parnell had to face the heart of the Nats order and back-to-back singles by Michael Morse and Adam LaRoche put runners on the corners with only one out. Parnell would bear down and throw nothing but curveballs, striking out Tyler Moore and getting two strikes on Danny Espinosa. Parnell would finally throw a fastball and the Washington second baseman would take it right back up the middle to get Clippard off the hook and tie it at 3-3.

The Mets would take the lead right back, scoring a run off Mike Gonzalez in the top of the 10th. Once again, the Nats offense would get to work right away against another New York reliever. Jhonatan Solano ripped a single to left field to lead off the inning against Tim Byrdak. Lombardozzi would put a bunt down the first base line to move Solano over, giving Bryce Harper the opportunity to even things up again. The rookie phenom came through, taking a Byrdak pitch to the right field wall that scored Solano and landed Harper on third with some aggressive base running.

Terry Collins opted to walk the bases loaded, which worked for the second out of the inning on a LaRoche ground out that led to a force at home. But with two strikes on Moore, Pedro Beato would send one to the backstop and allow Zimmerman to easily score the winning run from third. It was an incredible game, with the Nationals continuing their comeback magic that was a hallmark of the first half of the season.

Washington will go for the series win on Wednesday night with Jordan Zimmermann on the mound. Zimmermann has been incredibly reliable, pitching one quality start after another this season. He'll be opposed by Chris Young.

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue.

Nationals Vs. Mets: Ian Desmond Misses Third Straight Game

With their N.L. East lead shrinking, the Washington Nationals look to get back on track Tuesday, as they begin a three-game home stretch against the New York Mets, who trail the Nats by six games in the standings. The Braves have inched closer, as well, and trail by 2.5 games. Since the All-Star break, the Nats have gone 2-2, splitting a four-game series with the Miami Marlins.

First pitch on Tuesday between the Mets and Washington is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EST and will be televised by MASN.

Here are tonight's lineups:

Mets (46-43)

Miguel Tejada SS
Ronny Cedeno 2B
David Wright 3B
Scott Hairston RF
Jason Bay LF
Ike Davis 1B
Andres Torres CF
Mike Nickeas C
Jonathon Niese P

Nationals (51-36)

Steve Lombardozzi 2B
Bryce Harper CF
Ryan Zimmerman 3B
Michael Morse RF
Adam LaRoche 1B
Tyler Moore LF
Danny Espinosa SS
Jesus Flores C
Ross Detwiler P

For all things Nationals, check out Federal Baseball. For the New York Mets perspective, head over to Amazin' Avenue.

Mets Vs. Nationals: Washington Takes On New York In First Of Three-Game Series

Tuesday will mark game one of a three-game series between the Washington Nationals and New York Mets that could heavily influence the NL East standings.