The moment the ball that had left his bat landed 375 feet from home plate, Michael Conforto clapped his hands while rounding first base.
It was a brief but understandable show of emotion from the Mets outfielder, who was in need of a big hit — it was his first home run in 16 games. The three-run shot proved to be the difference, as the Mets beat the Nationals, 7-4, Saturday at Citi Field.
“I got just enough of it,” Conforto said. “I think I got a good pitch to hit with two strikes, tried to stay short and put a good swing on it, not try to do too much.