Jose Reyes Hits 2 Homers, Mets Still Lose

It was not the way the Mets wanted to go into the All-Star break, losing three of four to the NL East-leading Nationals. But that’s what happened as the Mets closed out the first half Sunday at Citi Field.

Daniel  Murphy continued his dominance over his former team, hitting a two-run homer in the first inning. It was his seventh home run against the Mets in 13 games this season. He also has 21 RBIs. Man, he really hates the Mets!

Jose Reyes answered back in the bottom of the inning with a leadoff homer.

After the Nationals extended the lead to 3-1 in the third, it was Reyes again in the bottom of the inning with another solo home run to cut the lead to 3-2.

Steven Matz bounced back from his early struggles to go seven innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He struck out five and walked four, the most he has ever walked in a game.

The Mets offense managed just four hits against Nats starter Gio Gonzalez over 5.2 innings. The bullpen similarly shut down the Mets as they lose 3-2.

The Mets end the first half with a record of 47-41, in second place, six games out of first.