James Wood Powers Nationals Past Mets 9-3: Washington Wins Series Behind Three-Run Homer and Bullpen Dominance on August 21, 2025

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Washington Nationals Defeat New York Mets 9-3 in Series Finale

The Washington Nationals secured a 9-3 victory over the New York Mets, taking two out of three games from their division rivals. James Wood broke out of a recent slump with a critical three-run homer, providing a much-needed offensive spark for the last-place Nationals.

James Wood Powers Nationals

James Wood delivered his 26th home run of the season, an opposite-field shot to left in the ninth inning. This long ball was only his second since appearing in his first All-Star Game, marking a significant turnaround for the second-year slugger.

Riley Adams and Brady House Fuel the Offense

Riley Adams contributed a go-ahead, two-run single during a decisive fifth inning. Rookie Brady House also impressed with three hits and an RBI, helping keep the Nationals’ offense moving throughout the game.

Nationals Bullpen Shines

Despite All-Star starter MacKenzie Gore being unable to finish the fifth inning, the Nationals' bullpen stepped up in impressive fashion. Jackson Rutledge (2-2), Clayton Beeter, PJ Poulin, Cole Henry, and Jose A. Ferrer combined for 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one hit. Ferrer registered his fourth save by recording the last four outs.

Lindor and Marte Homer, but Mets Struggle

Francisco Lindor set a Mets franchise record with his eighth leadoff homer of the season, marking his 25th overall homer for the year and the 28th leadoff shot in his career. Starling Marte also added a home run for New York. However, the Mets were shorthanded, missing regulars Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil due to nagging injuries. McNeil appeared as a pinch-hitter in the eighth, striking out looking.

Mets’ Recent Slide Continues

This loss drops New York to having lost 16 of their last 21 games, pushing them seven games back from the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.

Key Moment

In the fifth inning, Brady House led off with a single against Mets starter Sean Manaea (1-2) and later scored on Paul DeJong’s sacrifice fly. Riley Adams’ clutch two-run single off reliever Tyler Rogers gave the Nationals a crucial 4-3 lead and shifted the momentum in Washington’s favor.

Key Stat

Mets slugger Juan Soto struggled against his former club, going just 1 for 12 with six strikeouts during the series versus the Nationals, the organization that originally signed him as a 16-year-old in 2015.

Up Next

The Mets look to rebound as they start a series in Atlanta on Friday. Rookie pitcher Nolan McLean (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second career start, while Joey Wentz (4-3, 4.72 ERA) gets the ball for the Braves.

The Nationals head to Philadelphia for their next matchup, with Cade Cavalli (1-0, 2.20 ERA) on the mound against the Phillies’ Taijuan Walker (4-6, 3.34 ERA).

In summary

The Washington Nationals used timely hitting from James Wood, Riley Adams, and Brady House, along with a strong bullpen performance, to topple the New York Mets 9-3. Francisco Lindor’s historic home run and Starling Marte’s solo shot were not enough for the struggling Mets, who continue to slide in the NL East standings. With promising pitching matchups ahead for both teams, the Nationals look to build momentum, while the Mets aim to regroup and get healthier as the playoff race intensifies.

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