Nationals 5, Mets 3: Pinch-hitter Tyler Moore smacked a two-run homer off R.A. Dickey in the seventh, pushing visiting Washington ahead and denying New York's ace his 19th victory.

Rookie Bryce Harper had a career-high four hits for the Nationals, who have won 11 of their past 14 and extended their lead in the National League East over Atlanta to 7 1/2 games.

Dickey (18-5) was bidding to tie Washington’s Gio Gonzalez for the major-league lead in victories. He allowed three runs on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts in seven innings. Ruben Tejada finished with three hits for New York, which failed to score more than three runs for the 12th consecutive game at Citi Field.

Kurt Suzuki singled with one out in the seventh. Moore hit for pitcher Tom Gorzelanny and belted his ninth homer of the season over the fence in left.

The Mets took a 2-1 lead with a pair of fifth-inning runs. Ruben Tejada scored on Daniel Murphy’s double to left, and David Wright drove home Murphy on a single to left off Washington starter Jordan Zimmermann. Scott Hairston added his 17th homer of the season in the ninth, a pinch-hit solo shot.

Zimmermann gave up two runs on six hits in five innings, walking three and striking out six. Gorzelanny (4-2) pitched a scoreless sixth to pick up the victory and Tyler Clippard worked the ninth for his 31st save.

Ryan Zimmerman’s sacrifice fly to right scored Jayson Werth in the first to give Washington a 1-0 advantage. The Nationals added two insurance runs in the ninth.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Werth finished with two hits and three walks. … The Nationals reduced their magic number to win the East to 14. … New York started Jason Bay in left field for the first time in a month against a right-handed pitcher. … Washington manager Davey Johnson said P Sean Burnett should be available for Wednesday’s series finale. Burnett has not pitched since Sept. 2 due to nerve irritation in his left elbow. ... Hairston tied his career high in homers, set in 2008 and 2009.