Jordan Zimmermann staked himself to a lead with a two-run single in the first inning and combined with five relievers to make it stand up, as the visiting Washington Nationals beat the New York Mets 6-2 on Friday in the opener of the three-game series between National League East rivals.

Zimmermann (1-1) lasted 5 1-3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out four.

After working six scoreless innings in Thursday's 11-inning win against the Florida Marlins, Washington's bullpen was strong again Friday, as five pitchers combined for 3 2-3 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit.

Pinch hitter Lucas Duda's RBI double in the fifth pulled the Mets within 3-2, but New York (3-4) was unable to break through against Washington's relievers.

Ivan Rodriguez provided a pair of insurance runs with a two-run single in the eighth and the Nationals (3-4) tacked on another run later in the inning.

Mets starter R.A. Dickey (1-1) gave up three runs on six hits over five innings. He struck out three and walked five.

Rick Ankiel had three hits for the Nationals, who have won back-to-back games for the first time this season.