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Paxton Schultz lasted barely an inning yesterday as the Mets exploded for 10 runs in the 12th to stun the Nationals. The Nationals reliever allowed 5 runs in a quick appearance that turned the game inside out.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Mets 16, Nationals 7 in 12 innings
- Schultz Record: Dropped to 0-1 after the loss on May 18, 2026
- 12th Inning Chaos: Mets scored 10 runs, Schultz gave up 5
- Game Length: Extended extra-inning battle that tested the bullpen
The Collapse Who Shocked Washington
Paxton Schultz was supposed to be a steady hand in extra innings. Instead, the Nationals relief pitcher watched helplessly as New York’s lineup unloaded on him in the 12th inning of yesterday’s thriller. The right-hander’s quick outing turned what could have been a Nationals victory into a historic Mets comeback. Schultz threw precious few pitches before Washington manager decided to replace him.
The Mets were facing elimination when they stepped to the plate in extra innings. What happened next was baseball poetry for New York fans. Brett Baty led the charge with key hits, and Vidal Brujan contributed crucial bunts that moved runners into scoring position. The young Mets lineup showed resilience and swagger.
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How the Mets Seized the Moment
Francisco Lindor and the Mets offense refused to quit when Carson Benge took the mound. The 12-run explosion included doubles, singles, and solid contact throughout the order. CJ Abrams kept pressuring the Nationals defense with his speed, forcing hurried plays that led to errors.
Washington’s pitching staff had few answers for the sustained Mets barrage. Schultz was pulled after five runs crossed the plate, with the game completely slipping away. Even the most talented bullpens crumble under this kind of onslaught.
Extra Innings Breakdown
| Inning Stat | 12th Inning Performance |
| Mets Runs | 10 runs scored |
| Schultz Runs Allowed | 5 earned before exit |
| Game Final | Mets 16, Nationals 7 |
| Schultz Status | Loss (0-1 record) |
“They chased Paxton Schultz from the game, and the Nationals waived the white flag by putting a position player on the mound.”
— New York Daily News, Game Recap
What the Loss Means for Washington
The Nationals fall to 23-25 on the season after this devastating extra-inning defeat. Schultz’s struggles in the 12th exposed vulnerabilities in Washington’s bullpen depth. Manager Dave Martinez and the Nationals organization will need to address relief pitching stability moving forward.
New York’s resilience rewarded fans with one of the season’s most memorable comebacks. The Mets improved to 20-26 with this crucial extra-inning victory. Schultz will look to bounce back quickly, but yesterday’s quick outing will haunt him.
Can Schultz Recover From This Nightmare?
Relief pitchers face immense pressure in high-leverage situations. Schultz’s early exit raises questions about his readiness for playoff-caliber moments. Will the Nationals trust him equally in future close games? Does yesterday’s meltdown indicate deeper mechanical or mental issues? The 2026 season still offers chances for redemption, but confidence matters in baseball.
Sources
- New York Daily News – Detailed game recap with play-by-play breakdown
- MLB.com Box Scores – Final statistics and pitcher records
- House of Highlights – Complete game highlights video from official MLB channels
