WASHINGTON -- Juan Lagares grinned when asked what Amed Rosario said to him as the pair walked off the field in the second inning Saturday. Lagares had just cut down speedy Nationals outfielder Brian Goodwin attempting to score from second on a Pedro Severino single. As Lagares jogged in from center, his teammate caught his ear.
"Highway robbery," Rosario said.
Limited to the Mets' bench for most of this season, Lagares drew a starting assignment in their 3-2 win over the Nationals because Washington was using a left-handed pitcher, Giovany Gonzalez. The side benefit was Lagares' Gold Glove defense, which injuries have prevented him from showcasing in recent seasons.
As Goodwin barreled home from second, Lagares charged forward and threw a 235-foot strike to home plate, delivering it on the fly with plenty of time for catcher Travis d'Arnaud to apply the tag. The throw preserved a scoreless tie for Mets starter Steven Matz, who had walked Goodwin and allowed Severino's single after striking out five batters in a row.
"That feels great, especially how the game was," said Lagares, who recorded 15 outfield assists in 2013 before winning a National League Gold Glove Award the following season. "I felt great in the moment."
Lagares also reached base in both of his plate appearances against Gonzalez, finishing 1-for-3 with a single and a walk. He will continue to draw regular starts against left-handed pitchers, otherwise serving as a late-game defensive replacement for the Mets.