Clay Holmes was the star for the Mets in their 2-0 victory over the Nationals, showcasing his dominant pitching skills. After a rain delay, he returned strong, allowing only four hits and striking out two over five scoreless innings. Francisco Alvarez's two-run homer in the second inning secured the win for the Mets, marking his first of the season. The Nationals, despite their aggressive approach and promising young talents like James Wood and Dylan Crews, struggled against Holmes’ effective sinker. The Mets have now won eight of their last nine games, maintaining their position at the top of the standings.