New York Mets vs Washington Nationals Box Score on Aug 26, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Aug 26, 2017

WASHINGTON -- Gio Gonzalez, having a bounce-back year in his 10th season, allowed just two runs in 6 2/3 innings and Adrian Sanchez went 2-for-4 with three RBIs as the Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 9-4 on Saturday.

Wilmer Flores was 4-for-4 with three RBIs for the Mets, including a two-run double in eighth inning that cut the lead to 6-4 against reliever Brandon Kintzler.

But Sanchez had an RBI single for Washington in the bottom of the eighth to make it 7-4 after he fouled off a bunt attempt that hit him in the chest. Howie Kendrick had an RBI single and Wilmer Difo followed with a run-scoring single to make it 9-4 in a three-run outburst.

Gonzalez (13-5), who gave up six hits with two strikeouts and one walk, won his fifth start in a row and has not lost at home since July 6 to the Atlanta Braves. His ERA is 2.40 after he posted a 4.57 ERA last season.

Washington scored four unearned runs in the first inning to take a 4-0 lead. Difo, the second batter of the game, reached on an error by Mets starter Robert Gsellman with one out and that opened the flood gates. Difo (two hits) scored on a wild pitch, Adam Lind drove in a run with a fielder's choice and Sanchez had a two-run single with the bases loaded to make it 4-0.

Juan Lagares had an RBI single for the Mets (56-72) in the third to trim the margin to 5-1.

Anthony Rendon (two hits) had an RBI single to make it 6-1 in the fourth against Gsellman (5-6), who has not won a game since June 10.

Flores tied a career high with his 16th homer of the season, a solo shot in the sixth that made it 6-2.

Gsellman gave up nine hits and six runs (two earned) with two walks and one strikeout in four innings.

Michael A. Taylor was 3-for-4 and scored twice for Washington (77-50). Reyes and Kevin Plawecki had two hits for the Mets.

NOTES: Mets OF Yoenis Cespedes (right hamstring strain), who was hurt in the first inning Friday, went on the disabled list and RHP Dustin McGowan was sent to Triple-A Las Vegas. The Mets selected the contract of OF Travis Taijeron from Triple-A Las Vegas and he started in his MLB debut. Also, the Mets activated INF Jose Reyes (sore left ribcage) from the DL. ... The Mets plan to start LHP Tommy Milone (1-3, 8.12) and RHP Seth Lugo (5-3, 4.85) in the day-night doubleheader Sunday. Washington RHP Tanner Roark (10-8, 4.64) is slated to start the first game for the Nationals. ... Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (left triceps) did not play for the second day in a row. Manager Dusty Baker said he was hurt sliding into home headfirst on Thursday night.