SPEED ISSUE

Nats expose Mets’ inability to control base runners

WASHINGTON — Look for teams to continue running against the Mets until they can throw somebody out.

The Nationals stole five bases in as many attempts Saturday, leaving the Mets 0-for-9 this season in throwing out base stealers. But before catchers Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki can receive too much of the blame, manager Mickey Callaway needs to see a better job from his pitchers in containing runners.

“We probably do need to do a little bit better job, especially with a runner on second, we have to pay a little more attention there,” Callaway said, referring to Michael A. Taylor’s swipe of third in the fourth inning of the Mets’ 3-2 victory at Nationals Park.

“We don’t want guys running at will on us, so we’ll continue to try to improve. It’s tough to just make that adjustment during spring training.”

Steven Matz was the pitcher for four of the Nationals’ stolen bases. The other came in the eighth, when Bryce Harper swiped second against Jeurys Familia.

“It’s going to take some time for some of these guys throughout the season,” Callaway said. “Matz was worried about going out there and trying to throw with conviction to- day, so maybe it was a little tougher to pay attention to the running game. We’re aware of all those things and we will continue to work on that part of our game.”

But Matz indicated he isn’t concerned about the Nationals’ stolen base total from Saturday.

“No, it’s fine,” Matz said. “None of them scored, so I am fine.” Juan Lagares received the start because of his solid numbers against Gio Gonzalez, but it was the center fielder’s arm that made the biggest impact. In the second inning, Brian Goodwin was thrown out at the plate attempting to score from second on Pedro Severino’s single on a perfect strike from Lagares to end the inning.

Amed Rosario congratulated Lagares. Rosario’s message?

“How did [Goodwin] run on me?” Lagares said.

Asdrubal Cabrera moved into the leadoff spot with Michael Conforto on the bench and finished 2-for-5 with an RBI. In addition to leadoff, Cabrera has batted second, cleanup and fifth this season.