A fourth-inning error led to a three-run Washington rally, and the Nationals rode solid pitching from Stephen Strasburg and the Nats bullpen to an 8-2 win over the New York Mets in the first game of a four-game series at Citi Field on Thursday.
The Nationals trailed 2-0 entering the fourth. Denard Span led off the inning with a walk, and Yunel Escobar grounded to short on what looked to be a tailor-made double play, but shortstop Wilmer Flores booted the ball, giving the Nats runners at first and second with none out.
Jayson Werth followed with an RBI single, Bryce Harper walked, then Ryan Zimmerman tied the game with a sac fly, and Wilson Ramos knocked in the go-ahead run with an RBI groundout.
Strasburg (2-2) overcame early trouble to earn the win, giving up two runs on six hits in five and a third innings, striking out seven and walking one.
Sammy Solis had a strong outing in his MLB debut, throwing two scoreless innings in relief.
Escobar was 3-for-5 at the plate and scored three runs. Harper had two hits, including a three-run double in the ninth that broke the game open.
Jacob deGrom (2-3) took the loss for the first-place Mets, giving up five runs, three earned, on five hits in five and a third innings.
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