Wed Sep 24 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **Nationals Shock Mets with Late-Inning Heroics, Inside-the-Park Homer**

**NEW YORK** – Daylen Lile etched his name into Nationals’ lore Saturday, blasting an inside-the-park home run in the 11th inning to propel Washington to a stunning 5-3 victory over the New York Mets. The electrifying play at Citi Field snapped a six-game losing streak for the Nationals and simultaneously dealt a blow to the Mets’ postseason hopes.

With a runner on first and one out in the 11th, Lile hammered a 2-2 sinker from Mets reliever Tyler Rogers (4-6) off the center-field wall. A misplay by Mets center fielder Cedric Mullins allowed the speedy Lile to round the bases and slide home safely, giving the Nationals a two-run lead.

Rookie pitcher PJ Poulin sealed the victory for Washington in the bottom of the 11th, striking out Juan Soto to earn his first career save. Sauryn Lao (1-0) earned his first major league win for the Nationals, pitching a scoreless 10th inning.

The loss was a costly one for the Mets, who are battling for the final National League wild-card spot. Despite rallying late with a two-run double from Mark Vientos in the eighth and an RBI single from Soto in the ninth, the Mets ultimately fell short.

The Nationals’ victory was fueled by a strong pitching performance from Cade Cavalli, who tossed five shutout innings. However, Mets rookie Nolan McLean allowed three runs – one earned – in five innings. Errors by Soto in right field and Pete Alonso at first base helped Washington score runs, and McLean also threw a couple of costly wild pitches.

Lile, who also singled and drove in three runs, continues to impress, batting .377 over his last 20 games. Lile’s two-run shot was the first inside-the-park homer by a Nationals player in extra innings and the first at Citi Field since July 2017.

The Mets (winless this season when trailing after eight innings) will look to rebound Sunday as LHP Sean Manaea (2-3, 5.40 ERA) returns from the paternity list to face Nationals RHP Jake Irvin (8-13, 5.76) in New York’s final regular-season home game. Soto’s fielding error was his first this year.

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