Washington Nationals Rapid Reaction: 8th Inning Comeback Leads Nats To Series Win Over Mets

Jul 22, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Michael Taylor (3) hits a two-run RBI single against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. The Washington Nationals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Taylor Comes Up Clutch

With the Nationals being out most of their regulars in the starting lineup and add Yunel Escobar’s injury to that equation, Michael Taylor’s role continues to get larger for the team as he plays in more games. Before yesterday, Taylor’s big contribution in this series was with his defense when he took an extra-base hit and two RBI’s away from Eric Campbell in the fifth inning on Monday.

The 24-year-old is only hitting .164 this month, but he picked a good time to come up with some big hits. With two men on and two outs in the fourth, Taylor stepped up with the Nats trailing 3-0. On the second pitch from Syndergaard, he took a curveball and hit it into left field for a base hit, scoring Ian Desmond to cut the lead to 3-1.

His best at-bat would come four innings later. The Nats got a one out base hit from Ian Desmond and a walk by Matt den Dekker to get the rally started. Taylor stepped up with two outs after pinch hitter Tyler Moore hit a hard line drive right at Kirk Nieuwenhuis in left field.

Against Bobby Parnell, Taylor had a great at-bat, including taking a 2-2 curveball in the dirt that ended up being a wild pitch. He would take the next pitch from Parnell and hit into left for a two run single that tied the game. Then, with Espinosa at the plate, Taylor stole second to put himself in scoring position and he would later score on Espinosa’s RBI double.

While Taylor has still had plenty of strikeouts this season, one thing he has shown this season is a flare for the dramatic. Taylor has the highest average with men in scoring position of anyone on the team at .389 (21-for-54) and is second in RBI’s in those situations (30) behind Bryce Harper (38).

Next: Desmond Starting To Heat Up