Ross and deGrom trade runs early (Mets win 5-1)

NEW YORK - We're seeing some outstanding pitching to begin the series finale at Citi Field.

The Nationals scored in the first inning versus Mets starter Jacob deGrom. With one out, second baseman Wilmer Flores made a fielding error that allowed Brian Goodwin to reach base safely. Bryce Harper singled to the opposite field. A passed ball by Travis d'Arnaud allowed the runners to move up. Ryan Zimmerman's sacrifice fly to right field scored Goodwin. The Nats led 1-0.

Right-hander Joe Ross did a nice job early on of producing first-pitch strikes and getting ahead in counts. But his Mets counterpart deGrom smacked his first career homer to lead off the third.

After three innings, the Nats and the Mets are tied 1-1.

Update: The Mets took their first lead of the series in the bottom of the fourth. They connected on four hits off of Ross. Lucas Duda singled to begin the inning when Daniel Murphy lost the pop up in the sun. With one out, T.J. Rivera singled. d'Arnaud singled and Duda was safe at home when the ball rolled out of Matt Wieters' glove on the tag. Wieters was given an error. Michael Conforto added an RBI single.

After four innings, the Mets lead 3-1.

Update II: Mets manufacture another run in the sixth. T.J. Rivera singled to lead off. He is 3-for-3 versus Ross today. WIth one out, deGrom lays down perfect sacrifice bunt, Rivera moves to second. Conforto adds his second RBI single of the game. The Mets lead 4-1 after six innings.

Ross lasts six innings, allows four runs (two earned) on nine hits with one walk and four strikeouts. He fired 103 pitches, 66 for strikes.

Update III: Matt Grace walked Jay Bruce to start the seventh. With two outs, Curtis Granderson singled. Rivera followed with an RBI single. He's 4-for-4. Grace caught d'Arnaud looking to end the frame.

After seven innings, the Mets lead the Nats 5-1.

Update IV: Hat tip to deGrom: He goes eight innings, allowing only one run - and it was unearned - and two walks with six strikeouts. 105 pitches, 65 for strikes.

Update V: The Nats did not score in the ninth against Addison Reed. But Daniel Murphy's double with one out extended his streak of reaching base against the Mets to all 29 games.

The Mets salvage the final game of the four-game set, and the Nats move on to Miami.

Final: Mets 5, Nats 1