Game Recap: Mets bust out in eighth, beat Nationals 11-9

Jacob deGrom got the start and allowed two runs in three innings, Steven Matz relieved him and allowed one earned run in his three innings of work, and the Mets used a nine-run eighth inning to beat the Nationals on Thursday in Port St. Lucie.

Game Recap:

The Mets trailed 4-2 entering the bottom of the eighth before scoring nine runs.

Wilmer Flores started the eighth inning barrage with an RBI single, and Johnny Monell, Eric Campbell, and Matt den Dekker all followed with run-scoring extra base hits. Alex Castellanos added a two-run homer, Brandon Allen crushed a two-run double to left, and Matt Reynolds capped off the scoring when he stroked an RBI single to right that made it 11-4 Mets.

The story of the game aside from the Mets’ offensive explosion was the poor performance of Dario Alvarez, who allowed all four batters he faced (including three lef-handers) to reach base before being pulled. Alvarez was charged with four runs after Carlos Torres served up a grand slam in relief.

Highlights:

• Jacob deGrom struck out five of the first six batters he faced, and allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in three innings pitched. Both runs against deGrom came with two outs in the third inning when Michael Taylor delivered a two-run double.

• Steven Matz allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits in three innings pitched. He walked one and struck out one. Matz hit 97 MPH with his fastball and featured his curve often.

• Juan Lagares went 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot.

• Wilmer Flores had an RBI single but made another poor play in the field, ranging to his right and misplaying a grounder that resulted in an infield hit. Jim Duquette said on the broadcast on SNY that an average shortstop would’ve made the play.

Next Up:

The Mets host the Braves on Friday at 1:10 PM at Tradition Field.

Jon Niese will get the start for the Mets.