Francisco Alvarez’s two-run homer was all the Mets needed in a 2-0 win. As often happens, the Nationals struggled to get the ball in the air.

Francisco Alvarez hit a two-run homer and the visiting New York Mets beat the Washington Nationals 2-0 on Saturday.

Francisco Alvarez, who like McNeil made his season debut on Friday night, hit his first home run, a two-run shot inside the rightfield foul pole in the second inning to give the Mets a 2-0 lead. Those were the only runs Nationals starter Brad Lord gave up in his four innings.