MLB: Washington 12, N.Y. Mets 4

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Brian Schneider's two-run double highlighted a four-run fourth inning Monday as the Washington Nationals ripped the New York Mets 12-4.

Ryan Church homered, and Ronnie Belliard and Wily Mo Pena each added two RBI for the Nationals. Nook Logan went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored for Washington, which won for just the second time in its last six games.

New York has lost four straight and now leads Philadelphia by three games in the NL East.

Carlos Beltran and Shawn Green homered for the Mets, who have lost five of their last six games. The Mets committed four errors.

New York's Moises Alou went 2-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to 21 games.