Gio Gonzalez pitched seven strong innings to help the Washington Nationals to a 3-0 win over the New York Mets and a split of a day-night doubleheader on Thursday.
Gonzalez (10-10), allowed just one hit and two walks while striking out 12 for the Nationals, who have won six of seven.
The Nationals stretched their lead over the idle Dodgers to 2 1/2 games for the top overall spot in the NL.
Zach Wheeler (11-11) gave up three runs on four hits over five innings for the Mets, who lost two of three in the set.
In the opener, Curtis Granderson went 3-for-4 to help the Mets to a 7-4 victory.
The Nationals got on the board in the fourth inning as the first three batters reached to load the bases for Tyler Moore, who drove one in with a fielder's choice. Wilson Ramos then scored on a passed ball, and Anthony Rendon was later hit by a pitch to score Moore for a 3-0 lead.
Gonzalez had no trouble in his start, allowing just one man to reach second during his seven innings.
Matt Thornton got into a bit of a jam in the eighth as Granderson singled to start and Ruben Tejada singled with one out. Thornton, though, got Bobby Abreu to line out and Eric Young to ground out to end the frame.
Drew Storen tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 11th save of the season.
[SportsNetwork.com]
