Mets whitewashed by Gio Gonzalez and the Nationals

After earning a split through two games, the Mets and Nationals played the third game of their weekend series Saturday.
Southpaw Jon Niese toed the rubber for the Mets and was opposed by Washington’s Gio Gonzalez. Both hurlers dueled through 7 full innings of work.
May 16, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jon Niese (49) throws during the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Three Washington singles in the 2nd inning, including an RBI by center fielder Michael Taylor delivered the first and only run of the game. The Mets mounted their best scoring chance in the opening frame. They had the bases loaded with 2-outs, but Daniel Murphy grounded out to first base ending the threat.
Jon Niese allowed just the one earned run on 9 hits and one walk. He faced 31 batters, and threw 107 pitches with 73 (68%) going for strikes. He was the hard luck loser, and saw his record fall to a 2-2 mark, but owns a stellar 2.40 ERA.
Carlos Torres pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Niese, and fanned a pair.
Gio Gonzalez allowed the Mets no runs on just 6 scattered hits. He faced 27 batters, threw 111 pitches, with 74 going for strikes. He fanned 9 batters in earning his second victory of the season.
Drew Storen pitched the 9th inning to earn his 6th save of the season.
Scoring Summary:
- Top 2nd inning – Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa both hit 1-out singles. Gio Gonzalez’ successful sacrifice advanced the runners one base. Michael Taylor‘s infield single scored Desmond.
- FINAL SCORE: Nationals 1; METS 0
Highlights:
- In Thursday’s 8-2 loss to the Nats, the Mets struck out 11 times, 7 times by Stephen Strasburg. On Saturday, Max Scherzer registered 10 strikeouts, while the Mets fanned 12 times for the game. Then on Saturday, the Mets were struck out another 9 times by Gonzalez, and 10 times overall.
- Jon Niese was throwing a very effective, and tighter than usual curveball.
- Juan Lagares was moved up the 2nd slot in the order, went 2 for 4, and was the only Met with multiple hits.
- Terry Collins elected to bat John Mayberry Jr. in the lead-off position. He went 0 for 3 with a strikeout.
- Ruben Tejada started in place of Wilmer Flores at shortstop, and went 1 for 3 with two strikeouts.
Next:
5/3 – Sunday, 1:10 pm
Nationals @ METS