Nationals Beat Mets 5-2 on Shaky Start by Johan Santana at Citi Field Sunday

The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals 5-2 and their second series in a row. Going into the game it looked like a lock for the Mets to beat Livan Hernandez and the Nationals. What wasn’t on the radar was the tough top of the 1st for Santana. Josh Willingham clobbered a grand slam to give the visitors the early 4-0 lead. Willingham doubled in another run in the top of the 3rd giving the Nationals the lead 5-0. Even Jeff Francoeur’s great throw to the plate to throw out Adam Dunn didn’t get the Mets going. Mike Jacobs blasted a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 8th to get the Mets on the scoreboard and cut into the Nationals lead 5-2. Santana gave up 5 earned runs, on 5 hits (HR), 3 walks with 3 strikeouts in 5.0 innings. Once again a bright spot for the Mets was the bullpen. Raul Valdes, Ryota Igarashi and Frankie Rodriguez combined for no earned runs, on 2 hits, 2 walks with 1 strikeout in 4.0 innings. The Mets now go on the road to Colorado and St. Louis who will prove to be much tougher opponents.