Mets Sweep Nationals; New York Leads by 7 Games

The Washington Nationals chances of making it to the post season have been slim for some time no, but after being swept by the New York Mets in a three game series September 7th-9th, the Nationals are now on life support. The sweep by the N.L East leading Mets kicked Washington down to seven games back in the division, and 9 ½ back for the final Wild Card playoff berth, with about 3 ½ weeks to go in the regular season.

Although he took the loss, Washington starter Stephen Strasburg looked good in his first outing since returning from a back injury, striking out 13. Mets starter Jacob deGrom, yet another N.L. pitcher worthy of Cy Young Award consideration, was the winning pitcher, improving to 13-7 with 2.40 ERA.

Bryce Harper continued his MVP caliber play with a pair of homers for Washington. Harper now has 36 homers, 85 RBIs, a league leading .336 batting average, and an on base percentage of .467.

The Mets traded two minor leaguers to Detroit for slugger Yoenis Cespedes on July 31st, and it looks like that was a stroke of genius. Cespedes hit a home run, and now has 14 homers, 36 RBIs, and a .312 batting average in 36 games for the Mets.