Watching the Nationals at the Mets tonight, it appears the Mets have their heads in the game more than the Nationals. The Mets lead 6-1 in the seventh. They run the bases well, they bunt well, and deGrom is fooling batters with a good fastball and good off-speed pitches. The Nationals, with a depleted offense and defense, gave away runs with poor defense. They not only made physical miscues, but they threw to the wrong base, shied away from deep fly balls near walls, and Trea Turner stole a base at the wrong time. He was on first with two out and Bryce Harper at the plate, the Met leading 2-1. Turner stole second, but that led to Harper being intentionally walked. The Mets might have pitched to him carefully, but Harper might have hit a mistake. When Turner returned to the dugout, the manager talked to him, but Dave Martinez should have his players prepared for that situation. Mickey Callaway has the Mets with their heads in the game constantly.
Update: Except for the Mets bullpen. Washington scored five runs so far in the top of the eighth to tie the game at six.
Update: Michael Taylor walks with the bases loaded and the Nationals lead 7-6.
Update: Trea Turner flies out to end the inning, but the Nationals score six runs and lead 7-6.
Update: The Nationals win 8-6. In the words of Emily Litella, “Never mind.”