Slumping Mets Fall to Nationals in 10 Innings

Bryce Harper homered his first time up in New York, then hit a tiebreaking single to key a six-run burst in the 10th inning Monday night that sent the Washington Nationals over the Mets 8-2.

Shortstop Ruben Tejada's error on a potential double-play ball set up the big 10th. Ryan Zimmerman hit a three-run double and Michael Morse added a two-run homer as the NL East-leading Nationals broke away.

The Mets lost for the 10th time in 11 games. A day earlier, they gave up five runs in the 12th inning and fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3.

It was 2-all on a rainy evening when Roger Bernadina opened the Washington 10th with a bloop single. Sandy Leon followed with an easy comebacker to Tim Byrdak (2-2), but Tejada dropped the throw and also appeared to get spiked by a sliding Bernadina.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)