Milone and offense start quick against Mets (Nats win 5-3)

The Nationals continued their early offense by going after Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard.

Bryce Harper lined a run-scoring single into the shift in right field in the first inning to plate Trea Turner, who had reached on a fielder's choice and stolen second.

Turner doubled in the third and swiped third before Anthony Rendon slugged a two-run homer, his 16th of the season. Turner has two stolen bases for the second time in the series.

Nationals left-hander Tommy Milone retired the first seven batters he faced. He allowed only two hits through four innings.

Mid-fourth, the Nats lead the Mets 3-0.

Update: José Reyes, who came into the game when second baseman Phillip Evans left early with left knee discomfort, belted a solo homer down the left field line to get the Mets on the board in the fifth.

After five, the Nats lead the Mets 3-1.

Update II: Facing Ryan Madson, Reyes went yard again in the eighth. Suddenly, the Nats lead is down to one run. Its the 11th multi-hit game in Reyes' career.

Milone finished seven innings, allowing one run on three hits with no walks and a season-high nine strikeouts. He threw 97 pitches, 69 for strikes. It marked the first time since May 1, 2013, Milone had struck out nine or more batters. He struck out a career-high 10 that day with the A's against the Angels.

Mid-eighth, the Nats lead the Mets 3-2.

Update III: A pair of big insurance runs for the Nats in the eighth off Seth Lugo and the sloppy Mets defense. Turner reached on a fielding error by Reyes. He went to third on a one-out Harper double. The Mets intentionally walked Juan Soto. Matt Adams' fielder's choice grounder scored Turner. The bases remained loaded thanks to a fielding error by WIlmer Flores on the Adams' grounder. Wilmer Difo's sacrifice fly to center scored Harper.

After eight innings, the Nats lead 5-2.

Update IV: in the ninth, Kelvin Herrera allowed a solo shot to Wilmer Flores. With two men on and one out, Difo made an electrifying defensive play on a grounder by Brandon Nimmo. He stepped on second and threw to first base to end the game.

FInal score: Nats 5, Mets 3.