Torrens Homer, Scott's Longest Start Carry Mets to Sweep of Nationals
New York scored all four of its runs in the fourth and fifth innings and held on for a 4–3 win, taking all three games at Citi Field.
By Daniel Okafor · August 16, 2026 · 2 min read
NEW YORK, August 16 — The New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 4–3 on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field, completing a three-game sweep.
Washington scored first, picking up single runs in the second and third innings. Abimelec Ortiz hit a solo home run, his fifth of the season, and Keibert Ruiz drove in a run on the first of his two RBI singles.
The Mets answered with three runs in the fourth. Luis Torrens supplied the decisive swing, a two-run home run — his sixth of the year — that put New York in front. Jared Young added a run-scoring double. A fourth run followed in the fifth.
Christian Scott gave the Mets their longest start of the series, working six and a third innings on five hits and three earned runs, striking out seven and walking two. He picked up the win to move to 4–3 with a 3.51 ERA.
Bo Bichette had the best day at the plate for either side, reaching base in all four of his plate appearances: three hits in three official at-bats, including a triple, plus a walk. Carson Benge contributed the defensive play of the afternoon, running down a ball at the wall.
Ruiz brought Washington within a run in the seventh with his second RBI single, but the Mets bullpen closed the door. Nate Lavender and Daniel Duarte bridged the gap, and Kodai Senga worked the ninth for his third save of the season.
Senga's presence in the ninth remains the most visible sign of how the Mets' season has gone. He carries a 7.79 ERA, and the club has spent the second half using him in relief rather than in the rotation.
New York finished with ten hits to Washington's five and committed the game's only error.
Jake Irvin took the loss for Washington, falling to 2–7 with a 5.80 ERA.
The sweep leaves the Mets at 56–69, last in the National League East. Atlanta leads the division at 74–50, with Philadelphia at 67–58 and Miami at 64–61. Washington, at 60–66, still sits ahead of New York.
The Mets have been without a permanent manager since late June, when Carlos Mendoza was dismissed with the club at 34–47 and Andy Green took over on an interim basis.
New York opens a three-game series against San Diego at Citi Field on Monday.