WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The New York Mets defeated the Washington Nationals 7-1 on Saturday afternoon at Nationals Park, behind strong pitching and late power. Jonah Tong worked five innings, allowing three hits, one earned run and one walk while striking out nine. Ronny Mauricio went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs, and A.J. Ewing went 1-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs. Carson Benge added three hits. The Mets scored four runs in the sixth, one in the seventh and two in the eighth. Washington scored once in the second. Dedniel Núñez earned the win in relief, improving to 2-1, while Jake Irvin took the loss, falling to 2-10, after giving up four earned runs on seven hits in five innings with six strikeouts. Connelly Early pitched three scoreless innings for Washington. Tobias Myers, Núñez, Nate Lavender and Devin Williams each added a scoreless inning of relief. Attendance was 27,284. Time of game was 2:43. The Mets are now 75-91. Washington is 76-85.