PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Jerome Williams said that it was just another day at the ballpark on Saturday, but it was more than that for the Nationals' right-hander. He needed to show that he still belonged in the rotation.

In his previous two outings, Williams had a tough time throwing strikes. But Saturday was a different story against the Mets. Williams pitched four shutout innings as the Nationals routed the Mets, 13-1, at Tradition Field.

The outing assures that Williams is still in the mix for a spot in the rotation. Right-handers John Patterson and Shawn Hill are already set, and right-hander Jason Simontacchi and left-hander Matt Chico continue to show that they belong in the rotation.

Williams gave up two hits, struck out two batters and walked two others. He even picked off Shawn Green in the second inning. The only time runners were in scoring position was in that inning. The Mets had runners on first and second and two outs, but right-hander Chan Ho Park grounded out to end the inning.

"He kept the ball down, gave us a chance to score all those runs and I'm sure after scoring all those runs, he was able to relax," manager Manny Acta said of Williams.

Williams said he was relieved to show that he could be consistent on the mound.

"I felt good out there," Williams said. "First-pitch strikes were good. That's what I wanted to do."

Williams and catcher Brian Schneider had a different game plan to start the game. Instead of starting off with the fastball, Williams showed Mets leadoff hitter Jose Reyes, for example, the breaking balls.

"You have to do that sometimes," Williams said. "You can't always go out there and throw first pitch fastballs. Schneider made me real comfortable and I just felt comfortable throwing breaking balls."