Daniel Murphy, Nats Destroy New York Mets on Independence Day (Highlights) 2
Jul 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) hits a RBI single scoring Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (not pictured) in the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports

Good friend Daniel Murphy went 4-for-5 with five RBI in helping his Nats destroy the New York Mets 11-4 on Independence Day.  

  • New York Mets 4 (38-45)
  • Washington Nationals 11 (50-34)
  • W: Joe Ross (5-3)
  • L: Seth Lugo (3-2)
  • NL, Final, Box Score
  • Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.

After Steven Matz‘s dominating start last night, Lugo struggled today, giving up six runs and 10 hits in just five innings of work. His ERA skyrocketed from 3.55 to 4.75.

Most notably, it was Daniel Murphy who said “hello” to the New York Mets once again. Murph led the charge for the Nats by knocking in five runs and collecting four hits on Tuesday.

For the Mets, Reyes got the scoring started with a leadoff solo homer in the first.

He sailed through the first two innings, just throwing 17 pitches combined. However, he was in trouble each of the next three innings. In the bottom of the third, he allowed two RBI singles to Harper and Murphy to give the Nats a 2-1 lead.

The Mets would then tie it at 2-2 on a Rene Rivera‘s sixth home-run of the season.

The fifth inning was where it all fell apart for Seth Lugo. He gave up four runs and six straight hits including another two RBIs to Murphy and Harper. The Nationals would then take a 6-2 lead and not look back.

July 4th hangover

Last night was a game that the Mets could have used to propel them into the MLB All-Star Break. Steven Matz was brilliant for seven innings, and Curtis Granderson had a clutch homer in the ninth to tie the game at two.

However, the Nationals walked off in the bottom of the ninth and it was a heartbreaking loss against the division leader for the Amazin’s. Subsequently, it was clear the Mets were not ready to play today and the Nats were a lot more energized. Last night definitely had something to do with that.

Outfield Pain is Nimmo’s Gain

Due to the injuries in the Mets outfield, Jay Bruce is the only starter in there. Conforto and Lagares are on the DL, Granderson has been hurt on and off recently, and Cespedes is dealing with hamstring issues. Therefore, Brandon Nimmo is getting more time to play while showing he should be in the lineup.

Nimmo had three hits today and in little playing time has raised his average to .368. He has played well, showing he can hit to all sides of the field. The Mets have another outfield decision to make when others get healthy.

What’s Next?

The Mets will look to salvage the final game of this three-game series when Jacob deGrom looks to continue his stretch of stellar starts tomorrow night against Tanner Roark. Game time at 7:00 PM.

Huge Mets, Knicks, and Jets fan. Fantasy Football is my life on Sundays in the winter. Live in Manhattan on the Upper West side and just graduated from Hofstra University, majoring in Radio Production.