One is the winning number for Nationals

NEW YORK -- The Nationals had plenty of opportunities Saturday night, but all they needed was to cash in once behind Gio Gonzalez to edge the Mets, 1-0, at Citi Field.

The only run scored in the top of the second inning off left-hander Jonathon Niese. With runners on second and third and two outs, Michael Taylor hit a shot that tipped Daniel Murphy's glove at third base for an infield single. Ian Desmond was able to score on the play. It was the Nationals' only hit (1-for-8) with runners in scoring position, and they stranded nine runners in the game.

"I feel good. Anything I can do to help the team is always good," Taylor said.

Desmond did more than score the winning run. He went 2-for-4 and gave every indication that he is finally getting out of slump. Prior to Saturday's game, Desmond was in a 4-for-44 [.091] slump and saw his batting average dip to .211.

But outfielder Jayson Werth is not worried about Desmond.

"This game is funny sometimes," Werth said. "I came inside to check on a replay and the radio announcer they had on said that [Desmond] was 0-for-29 or something like that. I didn't even realize. It's funny how this game can sneak up on you. But I'm not worried, of course.

"He is a great player. He'll be fine. You can fall in a hole and you can't find your way out. It's good to see the guy came back on the board and hopefully, that's a game he can build on."