Washington @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 10, 2012 ) Washington 5, NY Mets 1

Gio Gonzalez won his 19th game for the Washington Nationals in the series opener and the New York Mets' R.A. Dickey looks to join him at the top of the major-league list for victories in Tuesday’s middle game of the three-game series at Citi Field. Dickey’s stellar season, in which the right-hander ranks second in the majors in ERA and sixth in strikeouts, is the one positive for the Mets. New York has lost six of its past seven and has been a dreadful 4-19 at home in the second half. The Nationals own a 6 1/2-game lead over Atlanta in the National League East and at 87-54 own the majors’ best record.

The Nationals have been remarkably consistent all season, going 44-27 at home and 43-27 on the road. For all the attention paid to Gonzalez and the shutting down of Stephen Strasburg atop the Washington rotation, Jordan Zimmermann has put together a strong season as well. He ranks seventh in the National League in ERA and eighth in WHIP (1.15). The Mets are 4-12 against the Nationals this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Washington RH Jordan Zimmermann (10-8, 2.99 ERA) vs. New York RH R.A. Dickey (18-4, 2.64)

Zimmermann started September by allowing eight runs in a loss to St. Louis, but rebounded nicely his last time out. The right-hander gave up two runs on five hits with nine strikeouts in seven innings Thursday to beat the Cubs. One of the best in the NL at pounding the strike zone, Zimmermann has walked 11 while striking out 51 in his past 55 1/3 innings.

Dickey lost two of his first three starts in August, but is 3-0 in four solid outings since the brief struggle. The knuckleballer sports a 1.21 ERA in 29 2/3 innings, and has defeated the Astros, Marlins and Cardinals in his past three starts. Against St. Louis in his last start, Dickey allowed two runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington has led the NL East for 157 days.

2. New York manager Terry Collins pushed back the time of his team’s batting practice Monday in an effort to try and jump-start his team’s anemic offense.

3. Zimmermann has dominated on the road, posting a 2.16 ERA in 14 starts away from Nationals Park.