Washington’s Nationals started the night in Pittsburgh PA’s PNC Park with the so-called “magic number” to clinch the National League East down to two, which meant that any combination of two Nats’ wins or New York Mets’ losses would secure the third division crown for the Nationals in the last five years.
The Mets were at home taking on the Philadelphia Phillies as the Nationals battled the Pirates on the road in the first game of a three-game weekend set.
The Nationals took a 5-4 lead into the ninth, but Mark Melancon blew his first save as a National as the Pirates rallied to tie it at 5-5 and send it to extras as the Mets won 10-5 in New York.