The New York Mets delivered a dramatic comeback against the Washington Nationals on Friday night, rallying late to secure a crucial 12-6 victory that keeps their postseason dreams burning bright. The win not only opened their three-game series with a bang but also maintained their slim lead in the National League Wild Card race.
Mets Rally After Early Nationals Lead
The Nationals jumped out to an early 4-1 advantage, capitalizing on some shaky Mets defense and timely hitting. But the Mets, who have made a habit of late-game heroics this season, refused to go quietly. By the eighth inning, the Mets had clawed back, with Pete Alonso’s 122nd RBI of the season sparking a two-out rally that cut the deficit and energized the Citi Field crowd.
Brandon Nimmo then delivered the knockout blow, driving in two runs with a clutch base hit that broke the game wide open. The Mets piled on, turning a tight contest into a rout and sending a clear message to their playoff rivals.
Brandon Sproat Shines in Third Major League Start
Rookie right-hander Brandon Sproat took the mound for his third big league start and looked composed under pressure. Sproat struck out the side in the first inning and kept the Nationals’ bats mostly quiet outside of a rough patch in the sixth. His ability to limit damage and keep the Mets within striking distance proved pivotal as the offense found its rhythm late.
Playoff Picture: Mets Hold Off Chasing Pack
With this win, the Mets’ magic number to clinch a postseason berth dropped to eight. They remain two games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks, with the San Francisco Giants lurking three games back. Every game now carries massive weight, and the Mets’ ability to deliver under pressure could be the difference as the regular season winds down.
Nationals Falter in the Field
Both teams showed signs of fatigue and nerves, with several defensive miscues and mental lapses. The Nationals, in particular, struggled to execute routine plays, allowing the Mets to capitalize and extend innings. As one commentator quipped, “Both of these teams have been playing like they’re half asleep,” highlighting the tension and unpredictability of September baseball.
What’s Next
The series continues this weekend, with the Mets looking to build on their momentum and the Nationals hoping to play spoiler. With the playoff race tightening, every pitch and every at-bat will be magnified.
Key Takeaways:- The Mets’ offense is peaking at the right time, with veterans like Alonso and Nimmo leading the charge.
- Rookie Brandon Sproat is emerging as a reliable arm for New York.
- Defensive lapses could haunt the Nationals as they look to finish the season strong.
- The NL Wild Card race remains wide open, with the Mets holding a narrow edge.
Stay tuned—this playoff chase is far from over.
Sources
1. Nationals vs. Mets Game Highlights (9/19/25) - YouTube
2. Patrick Reddington Profile and Activity - Page 968
3. Washington Nationals vs New York Mets - FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS
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5. Washington Nationals at New York Mets Game Story, Scores/Highlights - 09/19/2025
6. Mets Game Previews - Page 3
7. Sports Betting Lines Online | Best Betting Scores and Odds ...
8. The Latest New York Mets News
9. Mets Game Recap Videos | New York Mets
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