WASHINGTON -- Injuries have ravaged both the Mets and the Nationals this season, which was further exacerbated in the first inning on Friday night when Yoenis Cespedes left the game with a right hamstring strain.
Both teams' depleted lineups set up a pitching duel at Nationals Park, where Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom outpitched Nats right-hander A.J. Cole to guide New York to a 4-2 victory on the first day of the inaugural Players Weekend.
deGrom, who donned the nickname "Jake," dominated a Nationals lineup featuring only one member -- second baseman Daniel Murphy - from their Opening Day starting lineup after the team arrived from Houston after 4 a.