The Mets defeated the Nationals, 6–2, in DC tonight.

For a full recap and boxscore, click here.

The Least You Should Know:

• Livan Hernandez allowed just two runs and five hits in seven innings, while throwing 97 pitches, after which Pedro Feliciano, Sean Green and Francisco Rodriguez pitched three scoreless innings in relief.
• The Mets scored five runs in the first two innings against rookie J.D. Martin, using seven hits and a sac-bunt.
• Jeff Francoeur was 3 for 4 with two RBI, including a home run and a double, while Daniel Murphy had two hits and two RBI.

Etc., Misc., and other Observations:

• Livan Hernandez looked strong tonight, going up against the weak-hitting Nationals, who never really got a good swing against him.  He was aggressive, had command, moved the ball around, and looked like the pitcher he had been earlier in the season.  Hopefully the extra rest, plus the team he was facing, made for a perfect combination at the right time.
• The talk of Martin was that he had a big-time curve ball, but I didn’t see it tonight.  The Mets hit him well, and hit him often.
• You know, the Mets NEVER hit young, rookie pitchers who they’ve never seen bef… oh, nevermind.
• Francoeur looks more stable in the box.  He clubs the ball, and drops the head of the bat well.  He’s aggressive, but I like that he seems to be wide-eyed and up for the challenge, and he’s looked good so far.  He has seven RBI in the seven games he has been with the team.
• I get dizzy watching games on TV in DC, thanks to that ridiculous camera angle behind home plate.  I may just listen on radio the next two nights.
• Does Angel Pagan ever smile?  He’s a very serious man, it seems.
• Hat tip to Luis Castillo, who left the batter’s box and was on top of home, waving in Alex Cora on a play at the plate, guiding a fancy, wide hand-first slide and a run.
• Nice win.  Yes, it’s the Nationals.  But, at this point, I’ll take whatever this team can get it.

The Mets play the second game of a three-game set against the Nationals in DC tomorrow night, with Oliver Perez taking on John Lannan.