Sun Apr 27 20:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Nationals Grounds Crew Member Narrowly Avoids Injury During Rain Delay
**Washington, D.C. –** A Washington Nationals grounds crew member had a close call during Saturday’s rain-delayed game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. While the crew was deploying the tarp during a first-inning downpour, one member lost his balance and fell onto the rolling tarp, resulting in him being briefly covered by the waterproof sheet. Fellow crew members continued rolling the tarp, though the incident appeared to cause no serious injury.
The rain delay lasted less than an hour. Upon resumption of play, the Mets took a 2-0 lead thanks to a two-run home run by catcher Francisco Alvarez. The Mets held this lead through the eighth inning.
The game also marked the return of former Nationals star Juan Soto to Nationals Park, this time as a member of the Mets. Soto, who signed the most lucrative contract in North American sports history (a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets), spent the first 4 ½ seasons of his MLB career with Washington. He played for the New York Yankees in 2024 before joining the Mets.
The Mets currently lead the NL East, while the Nationals are in fourth place.
First Piper 