Mets rout Nationals 8-0, seek momentum

The New York Mets capitalized on limited opportunities to deliver an 8-0 shutout victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night, snapping a prolonged stretch of struggles.

New York turned just six hits, along with five walks and two home runs, into eight runs — marking only its third win in the past 18 games. The Mets were efficient offensively, leaving only four runners on base.

Juan Soto provided the decisive moment, launching a two-run home run to cap a seven-run fourth inning that broke the game open. The outburst proved more than enough support for starter Clay Holmes, who earned the win after throwing six innings of three-hit ball.

“A lot of confidence in those guys,” Holmes said of the offense. “To see that type of inning and know that it’s there, it’s just fun to be a part of.”

The performance offered a rare bright spot for the Mets, who had been outscored 87-47 during their 3-15 stretch entering the game and had been shut out four times in that span. Tuesday’s eight runs marked their fifth-highest total of the season.

The team has also been dealing with injuries, with Soto recently returning from a 15-game absence due to a right calf strain and shortstop Francisco Lindor sidelined with a left calf injury.

New York is set to continue the series on Wednesday, with left-hander David Peterson (0-3, 5.06 ERA) expected to start. Peterson returns to the rotation after two bullpen appearances, following a demotion earlier in the season.

Washington will counter with right-hander Cade Cavalli (0-1, 4.01 ERA).

The Nationals, who entered Wednesday ranked fourth in the majors with 156 runs scored, were held scoreless for just the second time this season. The loss came after a demanding stretch of 17 games in 17 days, during which Washington posted a 9-8 record.

Starter Zack Littell appeared in control early, allowing only a leadoff home run in the first inning across the first three frames. However, defensive miscues in the fourth inning proved costly. With the bases loaded, a ground ball that could have limited the damage instead slipped under third baseman Jorbit Vivas’ glove, allowing two runs to score and opening the floodgates.

“He made the pitch — he got the ground ball — we didn’t convert it,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said. “And then it just seemed like we weren’t really able to slow it down after that.”

Peterson brings a strong track record against Washington into the matchup, posting a 7-1 record with a 2.48 ERA in 14 career appearances against the Nationals, including a shutout win last June.

Cavalli, meanwhile, has shown promise, most recently striking out a career-high 10 batters over five innings in a loss to Atlanta. He has yet to allow a run in his only career appearance against the Mets.

With momentum briefly on their side, the Mets will look to build on Tuesday’s performance as they aim to turn around a difficult stretch of the season.