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Nationals: Murphy Shines Again In Win Over Mets

By Matt Holleran

Jul 10, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) and second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) celebrate scoring during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Jayson Werth (28) and second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) celebrate scoring during the first inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Daniel Murphy shined again as the Washington Nationals took the final game of the series versus the New York Mets, giving them the series win. 

The Washington Nationals defeated the New York Mets (47-41), 3-2 in the final game of this four game series. They now have a six game lead in the N.L. East as they head into the All-Star break.

In the top of the first inning, the Nats struck quickly against Mets starter Steven Matz. Jayson Werth singled and was followed by a two-run homer by Daniel Murphy. Murphy’s 17th home run of the season and his seventh against the Mets this year gave the Nats an early 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, Washington Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez struggled out of the gate. Leadoff hitter Jose Reyes hit a solo home run to center to begin day for the Mets, and cut the lead to 2-1. Gonzalez worked his way out of trouble in this inning, but had to throw a lot of pitches to do so.

In the top of the third the Nats padded on to their lead. After walks to Werth and Bryce Harper, Wilson Ramos laced an RBI single to center, scoring Werth and making it a 3-1 game.

The Mets answered the Nats again in the bottom of the third, as Jose Reyes hit his second solo homer of the game, making it a one run game again at 3-2. Reyes, who is not know for his power, was very impressive as he hit three home runs against the Nats in the series.

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Gonzalez was able to settle down later into this game and was replaced by usual starter Tanner Roark with two outs in the sixth. Although he was not great, Gio kept the lead and did not have a terrible day. His final line was 5.2 innings, four hits, two runs, three strikeouts and four walks.

Roark did an outstanding job out of the bullpen, posting 2.1 scoreless innings and striking out two batters while not giving up a hit. He kept the lead for closer Jonathan Papelbon heading into the bottom of the ninth.

Papelbon retired the first two batters quickly, but with two down, Travis d’Arnaud laced a single into left, putting the tying run at first base. That set up a matchup of Papelbon against Alejandro De Aza, and the Washington Nationals closer struck him out to seal the victory and to secure his 19th save of the year.

Next: District Daily: Ross Progressing, Lopez Set For Futures Game

Next Game: The Washington Nationals (54-36) will be back in action Friday night when they begin the second half of the year against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nats Park. You can watch the game at 7:05 p.m ET on MASN and WUSA9. No pitching matchup has announced for this series yet.

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