Flushing, NY (Sports Network) - Jon Niese pitched seven shutout frames and the Mets mustered just enough offense to down the Washington Nationals, 3-0, in the first of a two-game midweek series at Citi Field.

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Niese (3-4) pounded the strike zone, throwing just 40 of his 112 pitches for balls, striking out seven with just one walk and six hits in a sterling performance.

Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth to finish New York's first shutout of the season and its second victory in three games. Jose Reyes finished 3- for-4 with two runs scored, and Justin Turner's two-run sixth-inning double provided some breathing room.

Tom Gorzelanny (2-3) pitched fairly well in defeat, surrendering three runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts and five walks over 5 2/3 frames. Mike Morse was the only National with more than one hit, finishing 2-for-4 as the club saw its two-game winning streak come to an end.

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