Nationals Edge Mets 3-2 at Citi Field Monday and Leapfrogged Mets in NL East Division

The New York Mets once again could not come up with a key hit and lost to the visiting Nationals 3-2 Monday night at Citi Field. The Mets mustered 12 hits but were only 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position. The middle of the lineup has been striking out like crazy lately and they need to turn that around to contend for the National League Wildcard. Starting pitcher John Maine certainly pitched well enough to win but got tagged with the loss as the Mets could not give him run support. Maine gave up back-to-back homers to the Nationals in the top of the 3rd inning for his only earned runs in 6.0 innings pitched. Alex Cora came in during the 7th inning for Jose Reyes as Reyes and Jerry Manuel were thrown out after Reyes argued balls and strikes. Jeff Francoeur had a nice assist on Kennedy gunning him out at first base and Angel Pagan threw out Rodriguez at home. Pagan homered in the bottom of the 9th.