Bryce Harper hit the game-winning single in the 12th inning for the Washington Nationals in a 7-6 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. With two outs and the bases loaded, Harper lined the ball to left field for the walkoff hit.

The Nationals entered the bottom of the 12th inning down one run, 6-5, after Scott Hairston's leadoff home run at the start of the frame. However, back-to-back doubles by Washington's Michael Morse and Ian Desmond quickly tied the game.

After Danny Espinosa flew out, Mets reliever Elvin Ramirez intentionally walked Jesus Flores and then issued a free pass to Ross Detwiler to load the bases. Xavier Nady hit into a force out, which ended with Desmond out at home plate. That set up Harper's hit that fell right in front of left fielder Vinny Rottino.

The Mets had a chance in the 10th inning to end the game, having taken the lead on a wild pitch, but a Jordany Valdespin fielding error at shortstop allowed Desmond to tie the score.

The extra innings obscure the solid outings put together by both team's starters. The Mets' Chris Young made his first start in over a year and allowed three runs over five innings. Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann gave up two runs -- on two solo home runs -- and struck out five in six innings of work.

The Nationals hold a one-game lead over the Miami Marlins and a 1½-game lead over the Mets.