MLB: Washington 5, New York Mets 2

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NEW YORK, July 24 (UPI) -- Adam LaRoche socked a tie-breaking, two-run homer in the sixth inning Tuesday and the Washington Nationals went on to post a 5-2 win over the New York Mets.

The Nats scored four times in the sixth -- all with two outs -- to break open a 1-1 game.

Michael Morse singled with two down off Mets starter R.A. Dickey (13-2) and LaRoche then golfed an 0-1 pitch into the upper deck in right field.

Danny Espinoza and Roger Bernadina followed with singles and Jesus Flores lined a hit to left, scoring Espinoza. Bernadina came in on a wild throw by outfielder Jason Bay.

Ryan Zimmerman went 3-for-5 with a run scored for National League East-leading Washington, which clinched its three-game series.

Gio Gonzalez (13-5) stymied the Mets on one unearned run over seven innings, yielding only two hits while walking two and striking out four.

Tyler Clippard picked up his 17th save with a 1-2-3 ninth.

Dickey ended up surrendering five runs (four earned) on eight hits in a six-inning effort, sustaining his first loss since April 18 -- a span of 17 starts.

Jordany Valdespin socked a pinch-hit solo homer for New York.