Nats ride Gio Gonzalez to 1-0 win over Mets

FLUSHING, N.Y. - After threatening in the first, the Nationals put together three singles to get on the scoreboard in the second.

It started with shorstop Ian Desmond breaking out of an 0-for-29 slump with his first base hit since April 24. Second baseman Danny Espinosa followed with a single. After a sacrifice bunt from starter Gio Gonzalez moved both runners up, center fielder Michael A. Taylor hit a blistering ground ball that Mets third baseman Daniel Murphy couldn't handle, allowing Desmond to cross the plate.

The Nats have collected seven hits already and pressured Mets starter Jonathan Niese in every inning so far.

Gonzalez has allowed three hits with a walk and three strikeouts through three innings.

Update: Gonzalez is dealing tonight. He has held the Mets scoreless through six innings while surrendering five hits and two walks with nine strikeouts. Gonzalez is pounding the strike zone with fastballs and using a sharp breaking ball to fool the Mets.

The Nats have not been able to capitalize on their nine hits against Niese. They've left nine on base and are only 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Espinosa, Desmond and catcher Wilson Ramos have two hits apiece tonight.

For Ramos, it is his seventh multi-hit game of the season, tying him with right fielder Bryce Harper for most on the Nationals.

Update II: Nationals manager Matt Williams ended Gonzalez's night after seven innings. The lefty was stellar, allowing just six hits with two walks and nine strikeouts.

Right-hander Aaron Barrett and lefty Matt Grace combined to pitch a perfect eighth inning.

Closer Drew Storen will attempt to pick up his sixth save of the season in the ninth.

Update III: Storen retired the Mets in order in the ninth to secure a 1-0 win for the Nats.