Lannan shuts down Mets in surprising Nationals win

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John Lannan pitched his first career complete game as the lowly Washington Nationals pounded the New York Mets 7-1 on Saturday.
Lannan allowed just four hits and an unearned run and was aided by a franchise-record-tying five double-plays as Washington belied their lowly position to snap a three-game losing streak with a second win in 11 games.
"John was just outstanding out there for us and the offense exploded," Washington manager Manny Acta told reporters.
"We had everything working for us tonight, offense and defense, and we were due."
Adam Dunn, Elijah Dukes and Nick Johnson all homered for the Nationals, as Lannan needed just 96 pitches to close out the two hour game.
"I haven't felt that good in a while," Lannan said. "And to get five double-plays in one game, well that sure helps too."
It was just the third complete game of the season by a Washington pitcher as Lannan (3-5) struck out two and walked three while staying in command all night before a crowd of 31,456, one of the biggest of the season in Nationals Park.
Lannan threw 61 of his pitches for strikes in picking up just his 14th career victory in his three-season career, all of them with Washington.
The Nationals (15-39) entered the game with a team ERA of 5.61, the worst in the majors, and the win was just their sixth in 32 games against NL East opponents.
The Mets (29-25) had won six of the previous seven meeting between the two teams, including a 3-1 win in the series opener on Friday.
John Maine (5-4) allowed seven runs and six hits, including the three home runs, in his shortest outing of the season. He failed to record an out in the fifth inning before leaving the game.
"I had nothing today," Maine said. "It was a waste of a day."
The Mets remained three games behind the first-place Philadelphia in the East after the Phillies lost 3-2 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
(Writing by Roger Lajoie in Toronto; Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

Source: Reuters