Instant analysis: Nats 3, Mets 2

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Jayson Werth went 1-for-4 in his return from the DL.

Game in a nutshell: The afternoon featured a flurry of roster moves designed, in the words of GM Mike Rizzo, to put the best possible 25 men on the field to win tonight's game. But for eight innings, the result bore a striking resemblance to so many other nights over the last two months. The Nationals couldn't get anything going at the plate, and some sloppy defense wound up costing them and spoiling a great pitching performance. Jordan Zimmermann went eight innings and allowed zero earned runs, but the Mets brought two men home in the fifth via Adam LaRoche's throwing error. Those two runs should have proved enough because the Nationals did nothing against Mets right-hander Jeremy Hefner other than Ian Desmond's solo homer in the second. But then, it all finally came together in the bottom of the ninth against New York closer Bobby Parnell. Ryan Zimmerman, Adam LaRoche and Ian Desmond all recorded base hits to jump-start the rally. Steve Lombardozzi then delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly, giving the Nationals much-needed, 3-2 victory.

Hitting highlight: Just when it looked like the Nationals were doomed to yet another woeful night at the plate, they stormed back in dramatic fashion in the bottom of the ninth. Zimmerman led off with a double off the wall in right-center, barely beating Rick Ankiel's throw to second. Zim then took third on a wild pitch by Parnell, setting the stage for LaRoche. The veteran first base smoked a base hit through the right side hole, bringing home the tying run, then moments later took third on Desmond's double. After the Mets intentionally walked Roger Bernadina to load the bases and create a force out at any base, Lombardozzi lofted a fly ball deep enough down the left-field line to score LaRoche and set off a wild celebration at the plate.

Pitching highlight: The Nationals couldn't have asked for anything more out of Zimmermann, who didn't allow an earned run over eight innings, walking only one and striking out four. If you want to nitpick, those two unearned runs did come as a result, in part, due to Zimmermann dropping a toss from LaRoche on a play at first base. It wasn't ruled an error but it did help contribute to the Mets' lone rally in the fifth. Otherwise, Zimmermann was spectacular. He was efficient (101 pitches in eight innings), pounded the strike zone and did everything in his power to help his team win. Unfortunately, pitching alone can't win a ballgame. It requires some run support, and on this night, the Nationals finally gave their pitcher some at the very end.

Key stat: The Nationals have now drawn eight total walks over their last eight games.

Up next: The series continues at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday when Dan Haren takes the mound against fellow right-hander Dillon Gee. Anthony Rendon is expected to start at second base for the Nationals.