Game 4: Mets 4, Nationals 3

The late innings giveth, and the late innings taketh away.

The Nationals blew a 3-0 lead and turned a 3-3 tie in the bottom of the 9th into a loss thanks to a throwing error by Henry Rodriguez, resulting in a walk-off 4-3 win for the Mets. Edwin Jackson allowed 3 ER in 5 IP in his first start as a Nat, striking out 6 and walking 2. Jayson Werth got his first hit of the season for the 2-2 Nats, a triple that would have scored Adam LaRoche had he not been called out at second on a controversial play during the last at-bat.

Jackson’s mediocre start was salvaged by 2 2/3 shutout innings from Tom Gorzelanny, who allowed 5 runners but pitched well to keep them stranded. However, Henry Rodriguez squandered that effort in the 9th. With no outs and Mike Baxter on first, Ruben Tejada laid down a sacrifice bunt to Rodriguez, who made an errant throw to first, allowing Tejada to advance to second and Baxter to third. The next at bat, Daniel Murphy hit a bloop single into shallow right, scoring Baxter and ending the game.

For its own part, the offense played well against Mike Pelfrey and the Mets bullpen. Ryan Zimmerman finally broke out with a 2 for 4 night with a walk and an RBI. Adam LaRoche continued his torrid start, going 2 for 3 with two RBIs and a walk, while Ian Desmond cooled off a bit, going 1 for 5 with a run and two Ks.

Champ of the Game: LaRoche, whose two RBI singles kept the offense churning.

For the Mets, Daniel Murphy’s walk-off, in addition to a stellar dive to rob a hit, merit him this recognition.

Chump of the Game: Rodriguez, whose walk, error, and hit allowed led directly to the Nationals’ losing the game.

In a game full of solid Met performances, Miguel Batista walked two batters and recorded only one out.

Unsung Hero: Gorzelanny, whose 2 2/3 scoreless kept the game tied.

Mike Pelfrey threw 5 and 2/3 solid innings, hit a double, and scored a run.

Next Game: Tomorrow, April 10th, 7:10PM. Ross Detwiler v. Dillon Gee