New York Mets Continue Historic Pitching Performances with Saturday Shutout of Nationals

The Mets shut out the Nationals on Saturday afternoon, behind yet another dominant performance the pitching staff, including starter Clay Holmes, who threw 5.0 scoreless innings.

New York Mets starting pitcher Clay Holmes (35) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park on April 26. | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Saturday afternoon in Washington D.C., moving to 19-8 on the season.

The Mets, who made the National League Championship Series last season, are in first place in the National League East. With the loss, the Nats are 12-15 and in last.

The Mets got two runs in the second inning on the first homer of the year from Francisco Alvarez, who is fresh off the injured list, but the real story was the team's pitching, again.

Starter Clay Holmes went 5.0 scoreless innings, scattering four hits and striking out two. Five relievers helped keep the Nationals at bay, with Edwin Diaz striking out the side to earn his seventh save.

The Mets pitching staff has now joined some special history, according to @CodifyBaseball:

2.36 ERA or lower, first 27 games
(MLB teams of the last 44 seasons):

1989 Dodgers
2012 Nationals
2016 Cubs
2016 Nationals
2022 Dodgers
2025 Mets

2.36 ERA or lower, first 27 games
(MLB teams of the last 44 seasons):

1989 Dodgers
2012 Nationals
2016 Cubs
2016 Nationals
2022 Dodgers
2025 Mets

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 27, 2025

What's even more impressive is that the Mets are doing this without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, two pitchers that they signed this offseason. Both are injured and continue to work their way back. Both pitchers should help buoy the staff once they get there.

The Mets and Nationals will play again on Sunday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET. Right-hander Tylor Megill will pitch for New York while lefty Mitchell Parker goes for Washington.

Megill is 3-2 with a 1.09 ERA on the season. Parker is 3-1 with a 1.39 ERA.

The two teams will finish the series on Monday afternoon.

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