NEW YORK (AP) — Nationals closer Sean Doolittle became a favorite at Citi Field after blowing a three-run lead Friday night. Mets fans cheered the All-Star closer when he went to the bullpen Saturday, and on Sunday, they clapped and hollered when his name was announced to pitch the ninth.

“The fans, they were on me a little bit, and it’s all good,” Doolittle said.

Doolittle and the Nationals finally got the last laugh. The left-hander pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 26th save and Washington closed out the Mets for a 7-4 victory Sunday. The Nats had blown five consecutive save chances in Flushing and entered the game with a 6.07 ERA, worst in the National League.

The Mets ended a season-best eight-game winning streak and lost for the second time in 17 games. That magical run had fans drooling with Doolittle coming out of the bullpen, but the 32-year-old got back on top of his game in time to hold off a rival NL wild-card contender.

“In a weird way, it relaxed me a little bit,” Doolittle said of the cheers. “I’m at my best when I’m able to have a little bit of fun with it in those situations.”

Asdrubal Cabrera hit a tiebreaking two-run double against his former team and the Nationals bullpen allowed just one hit over the final three innings. The teams will not play again in New York unless they meet in the postseason. The key three-game series averaged 41,492 fans to create a playoff atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Nationals star Juan Soto sprained his right ankle on Cabrera’s bases-loaded hit in the seventh inning. Soto went from first to third but turned his right ankle after getting a late stop sign from third base coach Bob Henley. He spiked his helmet, was worked on by trainers in the outfield grass, and ultimately came out of the game. X-rays were negative and Soto’s considered day to day.

Victor Robles replaced Soto and homered off All-Star Edwin Diaz in the ninth, and Anthony Rendon had four hits.

Jeff McNeil had two hits and two RBIs, but New York dropped 1 1/2 games behind Washington for the top NL wild card.

“We went 6-1 on the homestand,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said. “I don’t think you can ask for a better homestand than that.”

Washington returns home to open a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.

After a day off, Zack Wheeler pitches as the Mets open an important three-game series with the NL East-leading Atlanta.