The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Bruce homers in return, Vargas pitches Mets to win
NEW YORK — Jay Bruce hit a two-run homer in his return from a long stint on the disabled list, Jason Vargas tossed six stellar innings and the New York Mets beat Washington 3-0 on Friday night to hand the Nationals their second consecutive shutout.
Wilmer Flores had an early RBI single and the Mets got spotless relief work from Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman to finish the four-hitter.
The stingy pitching finally helped New York get the best of a familiar nemesis in Nationals starter Gio Gonzalez (7-11). The left-hander allowed only one run in seven innings but dropped to 11-2 at Citi Field and 15-6 against the Mets. He has lost 10 of his last 11 decisions overall.
Bruce was activated before the game after missing more than two months with a sore right hip, and the Mets plan to audition the veteran outfielder at first base down the stretch. But the three-time All-Star started at his regular spot in right field during his first big league game since June 17 and connected against lefty reliever Tim Collins in the eighth.
The drive to right-center was only the fourth home run this season for Bruce, who batted just .212 with 17 RBIs in 62 games before landing on the DL.
Featuring a deceptive changeup, Vargas (4-8) permitted three hits and struck out a season-high eight without issuing a walk. The resurgent lefty, who entered with a 7.67 ERA, has put together two straight wins and three solid starts in a row late in his previously dismal season.
Lugo threw two perfect innings, striking out three, and Gsellman closed for his eighth save.
After a one-out double by Anthony Rendon in the ninth, Gsellman struck out slugger Bryce Harper and retired cleanup hitter Ryan Zimmerman on a gameending grounder.