Espino's arm, bat lead Nationals over skidding Mets 2-1

NEW YORK (AP) — Paolo Espino struck out a career-high seven while also singling and scoring a run for the first time in the majors, leading the Washington Nationals to a 2-1 win over the free-falling New York Mets on Friday night.

The loss was the 19th in 25 games this month for the Mets, who entered August atop the NL East but are now as close to last as they are to first — 8 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta and 8 1/2 games ahead of fifth-place Miami.

“We’re trying and we’re giving our best,” said Javier Báez, who provided the Mets’ lone run with a fourth-inning homer. “We’ve just got to keep our head up. Just got to come back tomorrow and try again It’s going to bounce our way one time.”

The Mets are 2-12 in their last 14 games, a stretch which includes eight straight losses in games decided by one run. It’s the longest such streak for New York since a nine-game skid in one-run games in 2018.

“We made the plays to keep the game close and the pitchers did an outstanding job,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said. “Once again, another one-run game that we just can’t flip because of our offense. Just keep working hard. We’ve got to be better tomorrow.”

Only two players got beyond first base against Espino and four relievers. Francisco Lindor tripled with two outs in the first and was stranded when Báez struck out. Sixteen of the final 18 Mets batters were set down following Báez’s homer.

Espino (4-4) allowed three hits and walked none over five innings. His previous high of six strikeouts was set three times, most recently last Saturday against Milwaukee.

“He gave us five strong innings. I mapped out what I want to do before the game," Nationals manager Dave Martinez said.

Kyle Finnegan, who gave up a walk-off homer...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Espino-s-arm-bat-lead-Nationals-over-skidding-16417865.php