Mets Lose Wild Game to Nationals in 12 Innings

Rookie Bryce Harper hit a game-winning single with two outs in the 12th inning to give the Washington Nationals a 7-6 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night.

Scott Hairston hit a solo homer in the top of the 12th to give New York a 6-5 lead.

But the Nationals rallied when Michael Morse led off with his second double of the game, and Ian Desmond followed with another double for his third RBI.

Reliever Elvin Ramirez (0-1) walked two batters to load the bases, and a fielder's choice by Xavier Nady left the bases loaded with two outs for Harper, who lined an 0-2 pitch to left field. The ball fell just in front of a diving Vinny Rottino.

The Nationals are alone atop the National League East, a game ahead of Miami -- which lost to Atlanta -- and 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets.