Thu May 15 16:01:50 2008

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Nats use defense to nip Mets

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Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - Willie Harris made a spectacular diving catch in left field to rob the Mets of a potential tying run in the ninth inning, and the Nationals doubled Carlos Beltran off third base to end the game to hold on for a 1-0 victory at Shea Stadium.

Felipe Lopez hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth, an inning after the Nationals broke up Mike Pelfrey's no-hit bid, as Washington won three of the four games in the series.

Jason Bergmann (1-1) struck out nine over seven innings to get the victory. He allowed three hits and walked two. Jon Rauch threw the eventful ninth inning for his ninth save.

Pelfrey (2-4) was charged with three hits and the run over 7 2/3 innings for the Mets, who have never had a no-hitter in their history. He walked three and struck out four.

Luis Castillo had two of the five hits for the Mets, losers of two in a row.

Jesus Flores doubled to left-center field to star the Washington eighth. Harris then pinch hit and put down a sacrifice bunt before Lopez lofted his sacrifice fly to left field.

Beltran started the ninth with a single to right field. Ryan Church then sent a fly ball toward the left field line, but Harris dove to make a back-handed grab. Beltran then stole second and eased into third when catcher Flores threw the ball into center field.

With Washington's infield playing in, Carlos Delgado hit a low line drive to Aaron Boone at first base. Beltran scooted off third though, and Boone's throw across the diamond was in plenty of time for the game-ending double play.

Boone, who had two hits, broke up Pelfrey's no-hitter with a line single to right to start the seventh.

The Mets had runners at the corners in the third, but Beltran flied out to end the threat. They had two runners on again in the fifth, but David Wright popped up for the third out.

Game Notes

Pelfrey has allowed two runs or less in four of his of his five home starts this season...The Nationals start a three-game series at Baltimore on Friday, while the Mets play the Yankees in the Bronx.