It’s not over until it’s over. That’s what the Washington Nationals can boast following an epic rally, overcoming a five-run deficit to top the New York Mets 8-6.
The Nationals entered Monday’s contest in the Big Apple six games out of first place in the NL East. Struggling to find wins, they had been losers of 9 of their last 12 games, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Mets earlier in the month. So, when Washington trailed 6-1 entering the eighth inning their prognosis seemed bleak.
However, Mets’ starter Jacob deGrom was creeping up on his pitch count. deGrom threw 19 pitches in the eighth retiring Michael Taylor for a tough strikeout but yielded two singles to Moises Sierra and Trea Turner. Howie Kendrick drew a four-pitch walk from reliever Seth Lugo, setting up bases loaded for Bryce Harper. The same Bryce Harper who crushed a broken-bat home run 406 feet in the first inning.
Facing former National teammate Jerry Blevins, Harper delivered with a two-run single to right. The deficit was cut to 6-3. Following a pitching change and a Ryan Zimmerman strikeout, the Nationals revved up the rally as Pedro Severino reached when he dropped a single into shallow left.
The bases were loaded again. This time former Met, Mark Reynolds, was due up. Reynolds drew a four-pitch walk that scored Kendrick to cut the deficit to 6-4 with two outs.
This is why we do "same seats." pic.twitter.com/ZpkY0ZDUwk
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) April 17, 2018
Then Wilmer Dilfo delivered a two-run single that tied the game at 6-6 with Harper and Severino scoring. Jeurys Familia then hit Sierra — the 10th batter of the inning — with a pitch to load the bases once again. Familia faced Taylor, throwing five sinkers in which Taylor all took to draw a five-pitch walk to walk in the go-ahead run in Reynolds.
Finally, Turner lined out to left to end the six-run rally in the eighth that included 12 plate appearances in the frame by the Nationals.
Kendrick added an insurance run in the ninth with a solo shot to give the Nationals an 8-6 lead. Ryan Madson closed the door in the ninth, as the Nationals stole the game for a much-needed win.
There is a lot of baseball left, but Monday’s epic comeback could go a long way into turning the tide of season around. If the Nationals can alter the narrative on their season, Monday night’s comeback win will prove to be a pivotal changing point.
