Austin Slater Enters as Pinch-Hitter in Mets' 5-4 Defeat

Austin Slater was utilized as a pinch-hitter for MJ Melendez in the eighth inning of Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals. Manager Carlos Mendoza made the substitution to gain a favorable matchup against a left-handed pitcher in a critical late-game spot. The Mets were unable to overcome the deficit, falling 5-4 and dropping the series to the Nationals.