Harper's HR stalls Mets' quest for home field

NEW YORK - Bryce Harper dented the New York Mets' playoff position, connecting in the eighth inning for his 42nd home run that sent the Washington Nationals to a 3-1 win Saturday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.

The Mets' fourth straight loss dropped them one game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for home-field advantage in their NL Division Series matchup next week. Each team has two games left.

Mets starter Noah Syndergaard struck out 10, giving up just two hits in seven innings in what amounted to a playoff tuneup on a misty, chilly day. The doubleheader was forced by a rainout Friday night.

Harper, who was plunked by a 97-mph fastball by Syndergaard during the sixth, hit a tiebreaking, two-run shot with two outs off Addison Reed. Acquired late in the season from Arizona, Reed hadn't allowed a run in his first 15 appearances for the Mets.

"Felt like he threw it through me," Harper told reporters after the game. He was not listed in Washington's lineup for Saturday's nightcap due to a sore shin.

Earlier in the game, Harper had fun with Mets fans by denying them a souvenir ball after an inning-ending catch.

- With files from theScore