NEW YORK, May 11 (UPI) -- Adam Kennedy and Ryan Zimmerman's back-to-back homers in the third inning Monday sparked the Washington Nationals to a 3-2 win over the New York Mets.
The twin clouts backed rookie starter Luis Atilano (3-0) and five relievers, who combined to hold the Mets to two runs and boost the Nats to their fifth win in seven games.
Atilano gave up five hits with five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings to pick up the win and Miguel Batista earned his first save despite allowing a solo homer to Angel Pagan in the ninth inning.
Washington catcher Ivan Rodriguez raised his average to .393 after going 4-for-4 with an RBI.
Pagan ended the game 2-for-5 for the Mets, who got 12 hits but were 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base.
New York starter John Maine (1-2) was the hard-luck loser, allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings.
