Josh Bell Powers Nationals Past Mets 5-4, Ending New York’s Win Streak – Game Recap & Highlights, August 20, 2025

Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

Washington Nationals Edge New York Mets 5-4, Snapping Mets' Winning Streak

Josh Bell delivered a powerful performance for the Washington Nationals, homering and driving in two runs to help his team secure a 5-4 victory over the New York Mets. The win snapped the Mets' three-game winning streak and highlighted a strong showing by Washington’s bullpen.

Josh Bell Shines with 16th Home Run

Bell blasted his 16th homer of the season, a 420-foot line drive to right field in the fifth inning off struggling Mets starter Kodai Senga. Senga (7-5) allowed five runs—four earned—over five-plus innings, continuing a rough patch in his recent outings.

Brett Baty and the Mets Make It Close

Brett Baty powered up for the Mets, smashing his 15th home run of the year with a 455-foot shot to the second deck in the fifth inning. Nationals right fielder Dylan Crews could only watch as the ball soared out of reach.

Nationals' Rookie Pitchers Hold Strong

Rookie pitcher Brad Lord (4-6) worked five strong innings before getting into trouble in the sixth. After walking the first two batters, he gave up consecutive doubles to Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil, cutting the lead to 5-4.

Rookie reliever Cole Henry entered with the bases loaded and a throwing error by third baseman Paul DeJong, but Henry managed to work out of the jam. He retired Cedric Mullins on a popup and Luis Torrens on a grounder, stranding all three runners and preserving the Nationals' lead.

Bullpen Seals the Victory

Shinnosuke Ogasawara pitched a perfect seventh inning, followed by Clayton Beeter in the eighth. Jose A. Ferrer closed out the ninth for his third save, ensuring the Nationals' narrow win.

Ejection and Injuries

Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo was ejected in the top of the sixth inning by plate umpire Todd Tichenor. Additionally, Mets left fielder Brandon Nimmo exited the game in the second inning with a stiff neck, leaving the Mets shorthanded in the outfield.

Key Moment

In the third inning, the Nationals loaded the bases on two walks and a catcher's interference call. CJ Abrams notched an RBI infield single for their first hit of the night, immediately followed by a sacrifice fly from Josh Bell to give the Nationals a 2-0 lead.

Key Stat

Kodai Senga has struggled in his recent starts, giving up 18 earned runs over his last 27 innings for a 6.00 ERA across six games.

Up Next

The series wraps up with a duel between left-handed pitchers. Sean Manaea (1-1, 4.78 ERA) will start for the Mets, facing off against the Nationals' MacKenzie Gore (5-12, 4.04 ERA) in Thursday’s finale.

In summary

The Washington Nationals narrowly defeated the New York Mets 5-4, ending the Mets’ three-game win streak. Key contributions came from Josh Bell's home run and a resilient bullpen performance. Despite a late Mets rally and injuries impacting both sides, the Nationals managed to hold on for the win. This closely contested matchup highlighted the talents of emerging rookies and set the stage for an exciting series conclusion. Fans can look forward to the next game where both teams’ lefties face off in what promises to be another competitive contest.

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