Nats Top Mets in Pitching Duel

Gio Gonzalez struck out nine in seven crisp innings on one of his favorite mounds, outpitching Jonathon Niese to lead the Washington Nationals over the New York Mets 1-0 Saturday night.

Michael Taylor drove in the only run with an infield single, and Washington won for the 16th time in its last 18 games at Citi Field. Ian Desmond snapped an 0-for-29 slump with two hits and threw out a runner at the plate.

Gonzalez (2-2) gave up six hits, walked two and even made a diving play on a slow grounder, rebounding nicely after he was hit hard Sunday in a loss at Miami. The left-hander entered 5-1 with a 1.88 ERA in eight starts at Citi Field.

Aaron Barrett and Matt Grace combined on a perfect eighth, and Drew Storen quickly worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his sixth save.

Niese (2-2) pitched around traffic all night but also went seven innings. He allowed nine hits and one walk in a hard-luck loss as New York fell to 11-2 at home this season. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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