Mets Win in 10 on T.J. Rivera Homer

The Mets escaped what could have been a haunting loss Tuesday night in Washington, with an unlikely source giving them a huge win.

The Mets took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth with Jeurys Familia on the mound. Daniel Murphy led off with an infield single. Second baseman T.J. Rivera made a nice play and a good throw, but Murphy just beat it out. Bryce Harper then hit a grounder to Jose Reyes at third. His throw to first was awful, landing in the seats, so the runners moved to second and third on the error. Anthony Rendon singled past Reyes to bring home Murphy to make it 3-2. Harper went to third. Wilson Ramos then hit a comebacker that somehow got past Familia. Harper scored to tie the game at three. With runners on first and second with still no outs, Ryan Zimmerman hit a little flair to James Loney for the first out. Clint Robinson then hit a liner to Asdrubal Cabrera. Rendon was able to get back to second safely. But Wilmer Difo, who pinch ran for Ramos, got caught off first for an inning-ending double play.

So it was on to extra innings, and the Nationals closer’s turn to blow things. Rivera connected with his first major league home run in the 10th to give the Mets a 4-3 lead. Rivera was a surprise starter; all he did was go 3-4 with three RBIs.

Fernando Salas came on for the Mets in the bottom of the 10th. He got the first two outs, but then Jayson Werth singled to left. With Murphy up, Terry Collins brought in lefty Jerry Blevins. Blevins was able to strike out the Met killer to end the game.

Mets win 4-3; Noah Syndergaard took a hard luck no-decision after pitching seven tremendous innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out 11.