Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets works in the first inning
Noah Syndergaard #34 of the New York Mets works in the first inning (Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
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The Washington Nationals dealt Noah Syndergaard his first loss in more than a month, an 11-4 victory over the New York Mets on Monday night in the opener of a three-game series between the division rivals.

Washington starter Joe Ross (7-4) gave up four early runs then retired 11 of the last 12 batters he faced.

The Nationals increased their lead over idle Miami to 3 1/2 games in the NL East, while the Mets are four games back. The Nationals stole six bases, matching their most since the franchise moved to Washington in 2005.

Five steals came against Syndergaard (8-3), who had won six consecutive decisions and had not lost since May 6. He lasted only three innings, surrendering season-highs in runs (5) and walks (3).

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