Finally back in NL East play, slumping Mets host Nats

Despite everything that's happened in between, Pete Alonso's optimism about the Mets as they get ready to face the Nationals is just as bold as it was the last time New York opposed Washington.

The third-place Mets will look to avoid falling closer to the fourth-place Nationals in the National League East standings Friday night, when New York hosts Washington in the opener of a three-game series.

Left-hander Rich Hill (