Mets 7 Nationals 0

The Mets scored five runs before Livan Hernandez threw a pitch, and Livan coasted through the next 7 innings, shutting out the Nats and allowing only four hits and an uncharacteristic four walks en route to his fifth win.

Nats starter Craig Stammen stammered through the initial inning, allowing three hits, walking two, and uncorking a wild pitch to give the Mets a comfy five-spot. From there the Nats bats and defense rolled over, continuing to play uninspired, sloppy baseball, as the Mets stepped on their necks.

Notes

David Wright, Danny Murphy, and Ryan Church had two hits apiece, and all three scored a run. Church ripped a double in his first at-bat since coming off the DL.

Fernando Martinez also lashed a double in the first inning, driving in Alex Cora with the game’s first run.

Wright is now hitting .345, and has passed Carlos Beltran (.342). Beltran, though, was 0-for-7 just prior to the stomach bug, and is swinging the bat well, so we may see the two of them neck and neck for the batting title. There’s just the matter of Miguel Tejada, who is leading the NL at .351.

Next Mets Game

The Mets have a day off on Monday, then come home to host the Phillies on Tuesday. Johan Santana goes for his eighth win against J.A. Happ. First pitch to be released at 7:10 PM.