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# MLB: New York Mets' Starling Marte ejected in loss to Washington Nationals ## Marte ejected in 7th on slide into second ### Nationals win 5-3 over Mets in series opener NEW YORK — New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte was ejected from Tuesday night's game against the Washington Nationals after a hard slide into second base in the seventh inning. With runners on first and third and one out, Marte attempted to steal second base. Nationals shortstop Luis Garcia fielded the grounder and threw to second baseman Ildemaro Vargas, who applied the tag to Marte as he slid into the bag. Marte was called out, and he immediately began arguing with umpire Pat Hoberg. After a brief discussion, Hoberg ejected Marte from the game. Marte continued to argue as he walked off the field and was eventually restrained by Mets manager Buck Showalter. The Nationals went on to win the game 5-3. Juan Soto hit a two-run home run in the first inning, and Nelson Cruz added a solo shot in the third. The Mets scored three runs in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by Pete Alonso, a single by Mark Canha, and a groundout by Eduardo Escobar. But the Nationals bullpen shut down the Mets offense the rest of the way. Tanner Rainey, Kyle Finnegan, and Carl Edwards Jr. combined to allow just one hit and one walk over the final 4 2/3 innings. The Nationals improved to 32-27 with the win, while the Mets fell to 35-26. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday night in the second game of their three-game series. ## Marte's ejection could be costly for Mets Marte is one of the Mets' best players, and his ejection could be costly for the team. Marte is batting .304 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs this season. He is also a Gold Glove-caliber defender in center field. If Marte is suspended for his actions, the Mets will be without one of their most important players. Brandon Nimmo is expected to start in center field in Marte's absence, but he is not as good of a defender as Marte. The Mets are currently in first place in the NL East, but they have a tough schedule coming up. They will play 19 of their next 27 games on the road, including a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets need Marte to be in the lineup if they want to stay in contention for the division title. If he is suspended, it could be a major blow to their chances. ## Nationals take opener of series against Mets The Nationals won the opener of their three-game series against the Mets on Tuesday night. Soto and Cruz homered for the Nationals, and the bullpen shut down the Mets offense. The Nationals improved to 32-27 with the win, while the Mets fell to 35-26. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday night in the second game of their three-game series.