Mets Suffer Home Loss to Nationals

Gio Gonzalez earned his big league-leading 19th victory and the Washington Nationals backed him with three home runs to beat the listless New York Mets 5-1 Monday night.

Kurt Suzuki put the Nationals ahead with a home run right after catcher Kelly Shoppach dropped his foul popup for an error. Ryan Zimmerman launched a two-run shot later in the third inning and Ian Desmond added a two-run drive in the fourth.

That was plenty for Gonzalez (19-7) and the team with the best record in the majors. The lefty gave up three hits over six innings -- none until Scott Hairston homered in the fourth.

Gonzalez worked around five walks and looked relaxed in extending his career high for wins. While he waited in the on-deck circle in the sixth, he chatted with fans in the front row as Suzuki batted.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)