Quiet day for Nats offense (Nats lose 2-0)

NATIONALS QUICK WRAP

Score: Mets 2, Nationals 0

Recap: Left-hander Gio Gonzalez allowed two runs on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. He also gave up his first home run of the spring, a solo shot by Mets right fielder John Mayberry Jr. Mets pitching, led by starter Jon Niese, shut out the Nats, who were only able to collect six hits on the day.

Need to know: Mets lefty Jerry Blevins returned to Space Coast Stadium for three pitches, all strikes, against Bryce Harper for a quick strikeout against his former team. New Nats outfielder Matt den Dekker, who was acquired for Blevins, played three innings in center field and was 1-for-1 with a single.

On deck: Wednesday at Marlins in Jupiter, 1:05 p.m.
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VIERA, Fla. - Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez has breezed through the first three innings, striking out four Mets.

The only hit against Gonzalez came when Mets first baseman Lucas Duda lined a single to right field over the outstretched hands of second baseman Danny Espinosa while the Nats were in a shift. Gonzalez now has 17 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings this spring.

Shortstop Ian Desmond allowed the Mets' only other baserunner when he committed his third error of the exhibition season on a ground ball by center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Center fielder Michael A. Taylor and left fielder Tyler Moore stayed hot with a single apiece for the Nats against Mets starter Jon Niese.

Update: A walk to Mets third baseman Danny Muno in the fifth would haunt Gonzalez. Moments later, second baseman Ruben Tejada singled down the right field line to plate Muno for the game's first run.

Mets right fielder John Mayberry Jr. hit a solo homer to the power alley in left to lead off the sixth inning. It's the first home run that Gonzalez has given up in 18 2/3 innings this spring.

Nationals manager Matt Williams came to the mound to get Gonzalez after two outs in the fifth. The left-hander was at 81 pitches, close to his scheduled amount of 85 for his last outing of the spring. Gonzalez allowed two runs on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings today.

Right fielder Bryce Harper picked up the Nats' only other hit when he legged out an infield single in the fourth.

The Mets lead the Nats 2-0 in the sixth.