A moment of unexpected drama unfolded at Nationals Park during Saturday’s rain delay as the Washington Nationals hosted the New York Mets.
The game, initially delayed due to inclement weather, resumed briefly before further rainfall prompted a pause in play and the deployment of the tarp. Amidst the effort to secure the field, one member of the grounds crew experienced a near mishap.
As colleagues diligently rolled out the protective covering, the individual appeared to lose his footing. The ensuing momentum propelled him forward, causing him to be briefly covered by the tarp as it moved across the infield.
Fortunately, the incident resulted in no serious injury, and play resumed after a delay of less than an hour. The Mets capitalized on the restart, with catcher Francisco Alvarez launching a two-run home run in the second inning to establish a 2-0 advantage – a lead they held through eight innings.
Saturday’s game also carried significant personal weight for former Nationals standout Juan Soto, who faced his old team for the first time as a member of the Mets.
Soto spent four and a half seasons with Washington before being traded to the San Diego Padres in August 2022. He later enjoyed a productive year with the New York Yankees in 2024, hitting a career-high 41 home runs.
This offseason saw Soto make a move within New York City, transitioning from pinstripes to the Mets’ signature blue and orange. His commitment was solidified by a landmark contract—the most valuable in North American professional sports history, reportedly totaling $765 million over 15 years.
Prior to Saturday’s game, the Nationals were positioned fourth in the NL East standings, while the Mets occupied the top spot.
Key Details:
- Francisco Alvarez hit a two-run home run for the Mets.
- Juan Soto faced his former team, the Nationals.
- Soto signed a record-breaking $765 million contract with the Mets.
“It was a strange scene out there as we were trying to get the tarp down,” said one observer.
