Bryce Harper
Robby Sabo, ESNY Graphic, Getty Images

The New York Mets bullpen disastrously implodes as a 6-1 Jacob deGrom lead ultimately turns into an 8-6 Washington Nationals victory at Citi Field.

  • New York Mets 6 (12-3)
  • Washington Nationals 8 (8-9)
  • NL, Final, Box Score
  • Citi Field, Queens, New York

It had to happen. We knew it. You knew it. Everybody knew it. The New York Mets were eventually going to experience a terrible loss. There’s just no way to move around that idea over the course of a grueling 162-game schedule.

Such a game was experienced on Monday night.

After falling behind by a score of 6-1 with starter Jacob deGrom cruising, the Washington Nationals absolutely destroyed the New York Mets bullpen to the tune of six runs in the top of the eighth inning, propelling the defending NL East champs to the eventual 8-6 victory.

The worst part about the 6-1 choke job is what it spoiled—the Mets best start all season long, courtesy of the short-haired deGrom. All told, the Mets co-ace went 7.1 innings while allowing three earned runs on six hits. He struck out 12 batters and his earned run line looked a lot nicer once he hit the dugout for the night. (Two of his runs baserunners as he was pulled.)

New York was blessed with length from the starter and yet, the thus-far-sparkling pen decided to combine for an epic fail.

Seth Lugo, Jerry Blevins, A.J. Ramos and Jeurys Familia combined to relent four runs and three walks in just 0.2 innings pitched to cap off the nightmarish eighth. Twice they surrendered bases-loaded walks, the second representing the winning run for D.C. Hansel Robles came in for the ninth and promptly allowed a solo shot, extending the Nats lead to 8-6.

Offensively, Asdrubal Cabrera and Todd Frazier led the way. Cabbie finished 4-5 with two runs batted in and his fourth home run of the season coming in the seventh inning which, at the time, put a nice capper on a swell Mets night. Frazier finished 2-4 with two ribbies.

For Washington, Bryce Harper continued his torrid start to 2018. Not only did he finish 3-4 with three runs batted in, he actually smacked a broken-bat home run in the first inning—something many have never witnessed before).

Chatter will continue on whether rookie manager Mickey Callaway pulled deGrom too early. With one out in the eighth, the ace was rolling. Save for a tough at-bat by leadoff hitter Trea Turner, nothing about his pitching was alarming. He was pulled having thrown 103 pitches and after Callaway explicitly discussed wanting more length out of his starting staff.

New York will look to swat away its first and, by far, worst loss of the year on Tuesday when 7:10 p.m. ET comes at Citi Field.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com