(Sports Network) - Former first-round draft pick Mike Pelfrey will try to end a four-start winless skid today when the New York Mets finish off a four-game series with the visiting Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium.

The No. 9 overall selection in 2005, Pelfrey began this season with consecutive defeats of Philadelphia and Washington on April 9 and 15, but has since gone 0-3 in four starts - all losses for the Mets.

He pitched well but nonetheless dropped a 7-1 verdict to Cincinnati in his most recent outing on May 10, allowing eight hits and two runs in six innings.

The two previous starts - both losses - were less impressive, however, as Pelfrey yielded 18 hits and 10 runs in 10 1/3 innings while falling to Atlanta and Arizona.

He defeated the Nationals, 6-0, on April 15 and will try to improve on a career record against them that now stands at 2-1 in five starts with a 4.30 earned run average.

Right-hander Jason Bergmann makes his fourth appearance of the season for Washington in search of his first victory.

The New Jersey native dropped starts against Philadelphia and Florida and allowed four runs in a relief stint against Atlanta in early April before being sent down to Triple-A Columbus. He was recalled this week when the Nationals optioned right-hander Chris Schroeder to the minors.

In nine career appearances against the Mets -- three starts -- Bergmann is 2-1 with a 3.96 ERA in 25 innings. He's walked nine batters and struck out 23.

On Wednesday, Cristian Guzman drove in two runs as Washington upended New York, 5-3.

Ryan Zimmerman homered while Jesus Flores and Felipe Lopez each knocked in one run for the Nationals, who have taken two of the first three games in the series.

Nats starter Tim Redding (5-3) notched the win by holding New York to two hits and one run over six strong innings. Jon Rauch recorded the game's final four outs to earn his eighth save.

Brian Schneider homered and drove in two runs for the Mets, who have alternated wins and losses in their last six contests. Carlos Beltran added an RBI in defeat.

Claudio Vargas (0-1), making his Mets debut after his contract was purchased from Triple-A New Orleans on Tuesday, was the hard-luck loser. The 29-year-old righty gave up three hits and two runs over 6 1/3 innings, fanning six while issuing four walks.

The Mets have won five of their eight matchups with the Nationals this season.