But both they and Toronto remain a game behind National League East leaders the New York Yankees, who won 13-6 against the Chicago White Sox aided by a grand slam and a two-run homer from Mark Teixeira.
Advertisement
The Mets should have given Harvey more run support, but stranded a combined five baserunners between the fourth and fifth innings.
Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez delivers against the New York Mets during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 31, 2015, in New York.
Just a few minutes before the 4 p.m. trade deadline, the Mets gave their meager offense a major boost by obtaining slugger Yoenis Cespedes from Detroit for two minor league pitchers.
Flores has three game-ending RBIs this season.
With Rivero in the game for his third inning of work, Flores led off the inning and crushed the third pitch he saw over the wall in left-center field.
“Great feeling”, said a grinning Flores, who was asked if he’d ever been cheered that way before.
Flores’ expression didn’t change much as he rounded the bases, but he broke into a wide grin upon nearing home plate and flinging his helmet in the air before he was mobbed by teammates. Nationals RF Bryce Harper was hitless in five at-bats Friday, snapping his eight-game hitting streak.3.
Gonzalez then walked Juan Legares to load the bases for the Mets, prompting manager Matt Williams to take his left-hander out of the game. Clint got hit, pinch-ran Espy, we scored the tying run, that burns two guys there. With two outs and two baserunners aboard in the eighth, and with the crowd on its feet with a 2-2 count, Yunel Escobar singled to plate Danny Espinosa and even the score at 1.
The right-hander, who entered with a 1.34 ERA in seven career starts against the Nationals, was backed by a string of exceptional defensive plays as the Mets carried a 1-0 lead into the eighth.
There was some confusion on Thursday when the Mets and Brewers apparently agreed on a deal involving All-Star outfielder Carlos Gomez.
Flores stretched out for a diving stop in the first, earning his initial standing ovation.
Mets: C Travis d’Arnaud went 0 for 4 with a walk in his return from the disabled list…. Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg (left oblique strain), is expected to make his final rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse on Monday….
Advertisement
Reported by oddsmakers from online sports book GT Bets, the Mets opened as -125 money line favorites but they’re now -118 to win tonight’s game, while the Nationals are +108 underdogs.
