Adam LaRoche started Washington’s big offensive output with a two-run single in the first inning Friday and the Nationals went on to club St. Louis 10-0.
Gio Gonzalez coasted to the victory by going the distance and winning for the 17th time this season.
Washington broke things open with a four-run third that included RBI singles from Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa, Kurt Suzuki and Jayson Werth.
Gonzalez (17-7) won for the fourth time in five starts. He allowed five hits and struck out eight in recording the first shutout of his five-year career.
Adam Wainwright (13-11) took the loss, giving up the first six runs on nine hits in just 2 1/3 innings.
The Nationals have won three in a row after losing five straight to equal their longest skid of the season.
