NEW YORK — The New York Mets pulled out the type of win Wednesday night that could serve to jump-start a surge into contention in the National League East race. The Washington Nationals suffered the type of loss that indicated their large division lead might not be as safe as it looks.
The teams separated by 8 1/2 games but moving in directions inconsistent with their places in the standings will meet Thursday night, when the Mets host the Nationals in the opener of a four-game series at Citi Field. New York right-hander Robert Gsellman (5-3, 4.95 ERA) is scheduled to oppose Washington left-hander Gio Gonzalez (5-1, 2.