Nationals erupt for three runs in second as Mets errors, McLean wild pitch sink early hopes at Citi Field

Washington jumped ahead 3-0 in the second inning, riding a sequence of Mets defensive miscues and a run-scoring wild pitch from rookie Nolan McLean. The three-run frame included two unearned runs, giving the Nationals an early lead at Citi Field.

Juan Soto was charged with an error to start the rally, and Pete Alonso followed with a throwing error on a high toss to first that kept the inning alive. Francisco Lindor then lined a ball that glanced off his glove and was ruled an infield single for Dylan Crews, extending the frame and keeping the rally going. The sequence underscored a rough start for New Yorks rookie, who entered with a 1.19 ERA over six starts this season.

Brady House was initially ruled out on a play in the inning, but a replay review showed that McLean did not touch first base. With men at the corners, McLean then uncorked a wild pitch over catcher Francisco Alvarez's glove, allowing Riley Adams to score from third and pushing the lead to three. That sequence capped the three-run inning and left the Mets facing an early hole at Citi Field.

McLean, 26, entered the game with a 1.19 ERA over six starts for the Mets this season, who on the day held a two-game lead over the Reds for the NLs final wild-card berth. The second-inning misplays and the wild pitch added to the challenge for New York as it sought to protect a slim postseason margin. The Nationals continued to press in the early innings, aiming to capitalize on the Mets defense and McLeans early command issues.

The Mets will look to regroup as the game advances and the season heads toward its final stretch. With the loss, New York will need to minimize miscues and maintain solid pitching as it pursues a postseason spot in a crowded NL wild-card chase. The series against Washington remains a test for a club trying to lock in its playoff positioning, and the early breakout by the Nationals adds urgency for the Mets to respond quickly.