Nats fall silent after bursting out in 5-run frame
Werth follows Ramos' slam with RBI double; Washington goes 2-for-9 with RISP
WASHINGTON -- On the surface, it looked like the Nationals did well with the bats during their 8-5 loss to the Mets on Monday afternoon at Nationals Park.
Catcher Wilson Ramos highlighted the scoring in the fourth inning with a grand slam off left-hander Jon Niese. After scoring five runs in that frame, the Nats had other scoring opportunities, but couldn't take advantage of the situation. In fact, Washington ended up going 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
For example, in the fifth inning, the Nationals had runners on first and second with no outs against reliever Carlos Torres, but they couldn't score. After Jayson Werth's RBI double in the fourth, the Nats went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position the rest of the game.
Video: NYM@WSH: Werth doubles deep to center, plates Taylor
"It's a tie game after six innings. We had a chance -- four cracks at them. We didn't quite get it done," Nationals manager Matt Williams said.
Outfielder Bryce Harper said the Mets' bullpen was virtually unhittable.
"[After the Ramos homer], we had some opportunities to score some runs, but the Mets have a shutdown bullpen," Harper said. "They have Hansel Robles and, of course, Jeurys Familia. When you are throwing 96-mph sinkers and 96-mph split-fingers, it's pretty tough. We just have to find a way and come back tomorrow."