MLB: Washington 1, N.Y. Mets 0

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Odalis Perez pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings Tuesday and the Washington Nationals blanked the New York Mets 1-0.

Perez (7-10) gave up four hits, struck out six and did not walk a batter for Washington. Cristian Guzman, who was 2-for-4, drove in the game's only run.

New York's hard-luck loser was Mike Pelfrey (13-10), who allowed one run on seven hits and four walks over seven innings. He struck out four Washington batters.

The Mets have dropped three straight games and four of five to fall out of the National League East lead.