MLB: NY Mets 7, Washington 2

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Johan Santana allowed a run over seven innings and Brian Schneider hit two homers Thursday, carrying the New York Mets to a 7-2 victory over Washington.

The Mets won their second straight and remained a half game behind Philadelphia in the chase for the National League East title. New York also increased its lead over Milwaukee in the wild card race to 1 1/2 games.

Santana (14-7) gave up eight hits and struck out eight. He improved to 7-0 in his last 15 starts and has allowed two or fewer runs in 12 of those games.

Washington suffered its seventh setback in nine games. Tim Redding (10-10) gave up five runs on seven hits in just three innings.

New York scored in each of the first five innings to open a 7-0 lead. Schneider hit a solo homer in the second and another in the fourth.