Washington opens weekday series with big win over Mets

Four Washington Nationals pitchers combined to hold the New York Mets to five hits, and the offense came to life in an 8-1 Nats win Monday night.

The W gives Washington (86-58) a commanding 10-game lead on the Mets (76-68) in the NL East, and reduces the Nationals’ magic number to clinch the division title to nine.

Mat Latos (7-2, 4.57 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) started, and gave up a run on three hits in four and a third innings, but didn’t last long enough to get the win.

Rookie Reynaldo Lopez (3-3, 5.01 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) was credited with the win, going three innings in relief, walking two, but holding the Mets hitless in his stint.

Latos (1) and Anthony Rendon (18) homered to key a four-run second that broke the game open for Washington.

Daniel Murphy (.348/.392/.600, 25 HR, 102 RBI) was 3-for-4 at the plate.