Wright Leads Mets Over Nats 6-0

Queens, New York, NY--David Wright went three-for-five with two doubles, a home run and five RBIs and Mike Pelfrey combined with two relievers on a seven-hit shutout as the New York Mets defeated the lifeless Washington Nationals 6-0.

Pelfrey (2-0) gave up five hits and walked two, striking out four on the way. Aaron Heilman and Duaner Sanchez each gave up one hit in their scoreless innings of work. Jose Reyes added four hits for the home team.

The Nats could not muster any offense, a recurring theme during their nine-game losing streak. Cristian Guzman had two hits, including a double, Nick Johnson singled and walked twice and Lastings Milledge doubled and walked, but no other Nat reached base twice. Milledge doubled in the bottom of the first with one out, but was caught attempting to steal third--much to the delight of the Mets faithful.

Nothing epitomizes the Nationals struggle so far this season better than the top of the third inning tonight. Second baseman Ronnie Belliard singled to lead off and pitcher Odalis Perez was directed to sacrifice him to second, but couldn't get a good enough bunt down and forced Belliard at second. Guzman followed with a single, giving the Nats runners at first and second with one out. Milledge then walked, loading the bases with the heart of the order coming up. But Pelfrey got Ryan Zimmerman to pop out to the infield on the first pitch he saw from the tall right-hander, and Nick Johnson struck out swinging to leave the sacks full, another wasted opportunity in a short season full of them so far.

Perez pitched pretty well on this evening, going six full innings, surrendering two earned runs on Wright's fourth home run of the young season. Perez walked four and struck out three. He left with the score a manageable 2-0, but got no relief from the relievers. Ray King, Luis Ayala and Joel Hanrahan all allowed runs to score in the late innings while the Nats' bats continued their April slumber.

The middle of the Nationals' order--Zimmerman, Johnson and Kearns--left a combined eleven runners on base this evening.

Wednesday night is the middle game of the three-game series. Left-hander Matt Chico (0-2) faces righty John Maine (0-1) at 7:10 at Shea Stadium.

Wright Leads Mets Over Nats 6-0 also posted at DC Sports Box.