Mets Edge Nationals in Spring Training Matchup

New York takes down Washington in preseason contest

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:43am

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The New York Mets defeated the Washington Nationals 1-0 in a Spring Training game played on March 13, 2026. The game featured a pitchers' duel, with the Mets scoring the lone run in the top of the 5th inning.

Why it matters

Spring Training games provide an early look at how teams are shaping up before the regular season begins. This matchup between NL East rivals gives a preview of what could be an exciting division race in the 2026 MLB season.

The details

The Mets scored the game's only run in the top of the 5th inning when an unspecified key play occurred. Nationals pitcher Jefry Fernández was replaced by Cory Pérez on the mound in that frame. The game remained a tight 1-0 contest throughout, showcasing the pitching talent on both sides.

  • The game was played on March 13, 2026.

The players

New York Mets

The Mets are an MLB team based in New York City.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals are an MLB team based in Washington, D.C.

Jefry Fernández

Nationals pitcher who was replaced in the 5th inning.

Cory Pérez

Nationals pitcher who replaced Fernández in the 5th inning.

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The takeaway

This early Spring Training matchup between the Mets and Nationals provided a glimpse of the pitching talent on both sides, hinting at what could be an exciting NL East division race in the 2026 MLB season.