Bryce Harper homer pushes Washington to Game 1 win

A two-run Bryce Harper homer broke a 1-1 eighth-inning tie, lifting the Washington Nationals to a 3-1 win over the New York Mets in Game 1 of a Saturday doubleheader.

Harper’s homer was his 42^nd of the season. Harper was 1-for-3 at the plate to raise his National League-leading batting average to .331.

Clint Robinson was 2-for-4 at the plate with a home run, his 10^th of the season.

Gio Gonzalez put up six scoreless innings, striking out seven, walking three and allowing six hits in a no-decision.

Rafael Martin (2-0, 5.11 ERA) got the win in relief for the Nats (82-78).