Lopez helps finish off Mets, could be important in Nats' run to postseason

It was unfortunate that Nationals starter Mat Latos had to leave Monday's game against the Mets before getting out of the fifth inning. Up to that point, the veteran right-hander had allowed only three hits and one run.

But the bullpen took over, highlighted by right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, who threw three scoreless innings to record his third major league victory in an 8-1 dispatch of the Mets.

Lopez (3-3) allowed no hits in the three innings with two walks. It was his first appearance since his start in New York on Sept. 4.

"I though he handled it well," manager Dusty Baker said. "He threw some 97s, 98s up there on the board. And then when he couldn't find the plate, he made some outstanding pitches with his secondary pitches.

"He threw some great changeups and he threw some outstanding breaking balls. If you can get those over the plate, it's in your mind the guy's throwing 97, 98 (mph) and you really don't have time to adjust to it with your body, your eyes and your hands."

Lopez's performance left open the possibility he could get some meaningful starts before the regular season concludes in early October. It could also open the door for him to take on some responsibility in the postseason, possibly out of the bullpen, if the Nats can get there.

Was it difficult to come into the game in the seventh inning after being used to starting this season?

"Not necessarily a big adjustment," Lopez said via interpreter Octavio Martinez. "I just had to visualize it like I'm starting the game. I'm coming in the fourth and fifth inning, but make sure I prepare almost like it's a start and be ready when I'm asked to come in."

What would Lopez think of a different role if the Nats make the playoffs?

"The main thing is do anything possible to help the team win, hopefully bring a championship here," Lopez said. "Whether I start the game, come in and close it, whatever I have to do. But the big thing is try to win as many games as possible."

Lopez has shown that he can throw. As he has done in his previous starts, he looked to establish his high-90s fastball.

"I was trying to locate the fastball as best as possible, keeping it down," Lopez said. "My secondary pitches were working well tonight. Primarily locating the fastball and make sure it was down."

He did get into a bit of jam in the seventh. After recording two outs, Lopez walked Matt Reynolds and Michael Conforto.

But he quickly got an 0-2 count on Curtis Granderson and was able to end the inning on a popup to third base.

"I try to keep my focus after walking those two batters and just concentrate on locating my fastball," Lopez said.

Lopez then continued on to the ninth, where he recorded three consecutive outs.

Latos did not feel that his hamstring issue would linger, but it is good news for the Nationals that Lopez might be another option come postseason if the Nationals need a starter or a reliever late in the game. With Lopez's stuff, as long as he can command it, can be a lethal weapon.