Paolo Espino struck out a career-high seven batters in five innings of work on the mound in Citi Field tonight, and left the game with a 2-1 lead, handing it over to Washington’s bullpen, and the Nationals’ relief corps held on for a win in the series opener with the New York Mets.
Espino vs the Mets: In three starts this month, Paolo Espino had given up 21 hits and 14 runs in 13 1⁄3 IP (9.45 ERA) before taking on the Mets tonight.
Last time out on the mound, the 34-year-old right-hander gave up five hits and three earned runs in 4 1⁄3 innings against the Milwaukee Brewers, in what ended up a 9-6 loss in which he received no decision.