Lindor’s RBI single sparks a ninth-inning comeback as the Mets walk off the Nationals 5-4

Francisco Lindor’s RBI single sealed a ninth-inning rally, propelling the New York Mets to a 5-4 triumph over the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Trailing 4-3, Brett Baty drew a leadoff walk against Yovanny Cruz (0-1). Jorge Polanco, who had struggled with a 7-for-71 slump since returning from the injured list on July 7, singled before Baty scored on Alvarez’s double.

After Ewing struck out, Lindor singled over a drawn-in Dylan Crews to complete the Mets’ sixth walk-off victory of the season. The decisive hit resurrected Lindor, who had been tagged out at second while attempting to advance on a ground ball in the dirt during the eighth inning. Jefry Yan (1-0) tossed a perfect 1 2/3 innings, striking out three times and celebrating with a high-flying leap.

Jared Young contributed a two-run double in the first off Nationals starter Brad Lord, who walked four batters and threw 44 pitches, managing only two outs. Carson Benge hit a solo homer in the sixth and threw out Andrew Pinckney trying to score from third on Crews’ fly out in the following inning. Mets ace Sean Manaea surrendered four runs over 6 1/3 innings, fanning seven batters.

Andrés Chaparro homered in the fourth, while Brady House delivered a go-ahead three-run blast in the sixth for the Nationals, who led MLB with 179 homers this season, the most since 2021. Lord broke a Nationals streak dating back to April 8, 2017, when Jeremy Guthrie walked four and surrendered 10 runs over two-thirds of an inning.

Will Dion struck out seven in 4 1/3 no-hit innings for the Mets' relief. The Mets will face RHP Jake Irvin (2-6, 5.79 ERA) in Sunday’s series finale against the Nationals’ RHP Christian Scott (3-3, 3.45 ERA).