Harper's early home run helps Gonzalez (Nats win 8-3)

NEW YORK - Left-hander Gio Gonzalez is 9-1 with a 1.62 ERA in 14 lifetime starts at Citi Field. The ERA is the lowest by any opposing pitcher ever at the Mets' home. Gonzalez's 87 strikeouts are the most on any opponent's home field in his career.

The Mets went three up, three down in the first.

In the second, the Mets' T.J. Rivera connected on a one-out single. But Gonzalez got Lucas Duda to ground out right in front of home plate and René Rivera flew out to center field.

The Nationals began the scoring in the top of the first. With two away, Bryce Harper launched a line drive home run deep over the right field wall, his 17th of the season. The solo shot off of Mets starter Robert Gsellman gave the Nats a 1-0 lead.

The Nats started the second inning quickly but then were unable to score. Daniel Murphy legged out an infield single that Jose Reyes had trouble snagging. Anthony Rendon followed with a double down the left field line that struck third base and popped into the air. But the Nats then went 1-2-3 to end the threat.

After two innings, the Nats lead the Mets 1-0.

Update: Matt Wieters doubled with one out in the fourth. With two outs, Gonzalez helped his own cause with a bloop single to center field and the Nats extended their lead to 2-0.

The Mets came right back in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Yoenis Céspedes doubled. Jay Bruce followed with a RBI double down the right field line. The Nats now lead 2-1.

Gonzalez then recorded two infield popups to end the rally attempt. After four innings, the Nats still lead by a run.

Update II: The Nats blew the game open in the fifth, scoring five runs on five hits, highlighted by Murphy's two-run triple and Michael A. Taylor's two-run homer. Rendon also had a RBI single during the onslaught.

After 4 1/2 innings, the Nats lead 7-1.

Update III: The Nats scored an unearned run in the sixth. Facing relief pitcher Josh Edgin, Turner was safe at first on Wilmer Flores' throwing error. Goodwin's second double of the game scored Turner. The Nats lead 8-2.

Update IV: Joe Blanton got the final four outs of the game, despite allowing an eighth-inning solo homer to Wilmer Flores.

Gonzalez goes seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits with no walks and five strikeouts. He threw 106 pitches, 70 for strikes. He is now 6-1 on the season, 10-1 in 15 career starts in Citi Field.

The Nats defeat the Mets 8-3.

They have won nine of their last 11 on the road and are 4-0 at Citi Field this season.