Curtis Granderson and James Loney came through with big hits to back Robert Gsellman, and the New York Mets got another gritty start from an unheralded rookie in their banged-up rotation to beat the Washington Nationals 3-1 on Saturday night.
Gsellman (2-1) pitched out of trouble for six innings, and inexperienced center fielder Michael Conforto made a diving catch that thwarted a potential Nationals rally in the seventh. New York rebounded from consecutive losses and won for the 10th time in 14 games, moving within one game of St. Louis for the final NL playoff berth.
The Cardinals lost 9-1 in Cincinnati.
Washington's Tanner Roark (14-8) allowed two runs and four hits over five innings.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
