MLB: New York Mets 4, Washington 3

NEW YORK, April 24 (UPI) -- Johan Santana struck out 10 in a six-inning appearance Friday and the New York Mets held on to defeat Washington 4-3 and stop a four-game losing streak.

Santana (3-1) gave up a run on six hits with one walk. He has allowed just two earned runs in 25 2/3 innings this season.

New York built a 4-1 lead through eight innings, thanks in part to two hits and an RBI from Luis Castillo and a triple and double from Fernando Tatis. Carlos Beltran reached 1,000 RBI for his career when he singled in the game's first run in the third.

Scott Olsen (0-3) took the loss, giving up three runs on nine hits over six innings.

Francisco Rodriguez picked up his fourth save, but made it interesting in the ninth. Austin Kearns led off the inning with a single and Jesus Flores hit his first homer of the season to bring the Nationals within one.

Rodriguez then recorded two fly-ball outs and a strikeout to end the game and hand the Nationals their second straight loss.

Washington has won only three times this year, fewest victories in the majors.