Mets players Edwin Diaz, Reed Garrett and Jose Butto silence Nationals

The last two days ended in disappointment for the Mets. While the offense was largely to blame, the bullpen was not enough in these painful losses.

Monday evening brought a different result, which would not have been possible without the impeccable work of three key substitutes.

Jose Butto, Edwin Diaz and Reed Garrett all pitched impressive scoreless innings to help the Mets beat the pesky Nationals 2-1 in 10 innings and regain the lead for the final wild-card spot in the National League.

“That's what it's all about: You have to make your shots, stay on the attack, execute, know the situation and don't give up. And that's what they did today,” said manager Carlos Mendoza.

Diaz allowed a walk-off single to JT Realmuto on Sunday and Garrett allowed the game-winning two-run double to Cal Stevenson on Saturday.

Both pitchers felt that they were good throws that just didn't produce the desired result.

But at the start of a seven-game home series at Citi Field, they were both at their best.

Diaz hit a leadoff single in the ninth inning, striking out Jose Tena with the leadoff run at third base, ending the inning.

Garrett's work was the most impressive of the three.

He left the automatic runner on second base.

After the Nationals moved Tena over to third base with a bunt, Garrett got both Keibert Ruiz and Jacob Young to groundout to shortstop.

He celebrated the finale with the crowd as he ran off the field.

“I think it's always really hard in the extra innings with the man on second base not to let the guys score,” Garrett said. “In this game tonight, we obviously fought all night. We made one defensive play after another. Sean [Manaea] threw the ball really well. When I came out there it was just emotions, now our guys have a chance to win. Let's put this thing away, go to the clubhouse and celebrate.”

It was a season of ups and downs for Garrett.

He started off well, then struggled and was on the injured list for a month due to inflammation of his right elbow.

But since his return in early August, he has been outstanding, allowing just three earned runs in 13¹/₃ innings while recording 17 strikeouts.

“I’m healthy, that’s all I can say,” he said.