Shutout by the Mets

The Nats were blanked 2-0 by the Mets on Saturday afternoon in D.C. Al & Mark evaluate the wasted opportunity as their solid pitching performance did not get any help from the offense. The bats produced only singles in their seven hits in defeat. 

(05:45) Jose Tena singled but most importantly had another good day at 3B in the field. Tena has been filling in at the hot corner due to Paul DeJong's trip to the IL and has markedly improved on defense since last season. 

(09:35) Brad Lord's started last four innings, but was interrupted by a brief early rain delay. Lord gave up a 2 run HR to Francisco Alvarez, the only source of scoring on Saturday. Lord began the season a reliever, but has filled in as a starter during Michael Soroka's stint on the IL. 

(16:00) The bullpen combined to toss five scoreless frames in the loss. Encouragingly, Lucas Sims threw one inning and only needed nine pitches in the process. 

(22:10) Mitchell Parker will take the mound on Sunday and believe it or not, but he leads all of MLB in pitcher WAR so far this season. 

(24:15) Juan Soto went for 0 for 4 on Saturday and is hitting .235 thus far. Soto has not homered since April 15th, but the Mets do have the best record in baseball.