Gio Gonzalez credits defense after 7-2 win over Mets

Left-hander Gio Gonzalez was once again solid and consistent in pitching the Nationals to a 7-2 victory over the Mets.

Gonzalez went six innings, scattering six hits and allowing two runs for his seventh win. He has recorded only two losses since April 27. Gonzalez struck out four and walked three.

But Gonzalez found himself in danger in the fifth. Leading 5-2, the Mets got singles from Ruben Tejada and Wilmer Flores to attempt a rally. With two men out, Eric Campbell lined a Gonzalez offering to deep right-center field.

Michael A. Taylor was able to use his speed to somehow catch up with the drive that appeared headed for extra bases. He leaped in the air and made the inning-ending catch just before touching the wall.

"I thought it was at least off the wall, maybe top of the wall. I couldn't be more happier to see Michael T. make a nice play like that," Gonzalez said. "It's tough to keep your emotions in check, but when a play like that happens, you got to show love when love is due."

Gonzalez said his catcher Jose Lobaton made sure that he kept telling him he was fine and that he was going to make it through the next inning. Gonzalez said that helped him when he headed out for the sixth inning.

"Loby wanted me to finish strong," Gonzalez said. "I was just happy they gave me an extra inning and not finish with five. They were scrappy the whole time. They didn't give in. They were fighting all the way to the end. We managed to get a couple of runs off of (Matt) Harvey, and I was just trying to do my part to keep us right there."

The play by Taylor was one of many defensive plays the Nationals made that the Mets did not. Harvey and Daniel Murphy committed early errors that helped the Nationals put together rallies and lead 5-0 after three frames.

Defense by Taylor, Yunel Escobar and others lifted Gonzalez through what could have been more difficult innings early on.

"I mean if you want to go through one through nine, all of them. Escobar, Danny (Espinosa), the play Mikey T. made in right-center," Gonzalez said. "It's fun to watch when these guys are playing their tails off and Bryce (Harper) made some nice sliding plays. It makes it easier for the pitcher when these guys are making plays like that."

Manager Matt Williams said Gonzalez did his job and agrees the defense also made some big plays to keep the starter out for six innings and 107 pitches.

"Good pitching," Williams said. "Gio provided us good pitching. He made one mistake to (Matt) Harvey, but that was about it. Defense behind him helps him. Helps all of our pitchers. It's part of the plan. Doesn't go like that every day, but it contributes to winning ball games."