Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Alex Cora drove in three runs to back Jon Niese's solid pitching performance, as the New York Mets held off the Washington Nationals, 5-3, in the second test of a four-game set at Nationals Park.
Niese (6-2) gave up one run on six hits in seven innings. The 23-year-old left-hander also struck out a career-high eight batters en route to winning his fifth straight decision. Niese also had an RBI.
Ike Davis knocked in a run for the Mets, who had lost three of four coming in. David Wright went 3-for-5 with a run scored for the victors.
Josh Willingham hit a solo homer for the Nationals, who have dropped seven of their past nine games. Roger Bernadina and Ian Desmond had an RBI apiece.
Luis Atilano (6-5) got rocked in 3 2/3 frames, allowing five runs on four hits. He also fanned four batters and walked two in the loss.