Lucas Duda hit a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning that sent the New York Mets to their 10th straight win on Wednesday night, 3-2 over the Atlanta Braves.
Wilmer Flores hit a tying homer and an RBI single for the Mets (12-3), on their longest winning streak since taking 10 straight in July 2008. Another victory in the series finale yesterday afternoon would match the team record of 11 in a row — last accomplished in 1990 — and complete a perfect 10-game run on their first homestand of the season.
Despite injuries to several key players, New York are off to their best start since the 1986 World Series champs opened 13-3.
Pinch-hitter Curtis Granderson drew a leadoff walk from Jim Johnson (1-1) in the eighth and went to third when Juan Lagares chopped a hit-and-run single through the right side.
Duda singled to left for his latest clutch hit early this season.
Buddy Carlyle (1-0) retired dangerous pinch-hitter Jonny Gomes with two on, and Jeurys Familia got three quick outs for his seventh save.
DIAMONDBACKS 8, RANGERS 5
In Phoenix, Arizona, Archie Bradley shook off a shaky start to pitch six effective innings, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks over Texas.
Bradley (2-0) walked five in the first three innings, including one that scored a run, but proved to be effectively wild, holding the Rangers to a run and two hits.
Bradley held his own in his first two big league starts, beating reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw and outpitching World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner in a no-decision.
Chris Owings homered off Yovani Gallardo (2-1) and had a run-scoring single.
GIANTS 3, DODGERS 2
In San Francisco, Joe Panik hit a game-ending sacrifice fly after the Dodgers tried a five-man infield in the ninth inning as the San Francisco Giants edged Los Angeles.
Reigning World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner and current NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw kept things close, dueling until it became a battle of the bullpens.
A single by Brandon Belt loaded the bases with one out, and prompted Dodgers manager Don Mattingly to argue that Giants third base coach Roberto Kelly improperly made contact and stopped pinch-runner Gregor Blanco at the bag.
Panik then delivered a long fly off J.P. Howell that easily scored the winning run.
Santiago Casilla (1-0) pitched out of a jam with two runners on in the ninth.
Buster Posey hit a one-out single off Chris Hatcher (0-2) to set up the deciding run.
REDS 2, BREWERS 1
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Billy Hamilton dashed home on a two-out wild pitch in the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds sent Milwaukee to their eighth straight loss.
Hamilton scored both runs for Cincinnati, who won their third straight game against Milwaukee. The Brewers have the worst record in the majors at 2-13.
Johnny Cueto (1-2) gave up five hits and struck out eight in eight innings. Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth for his fourth save.
Hamilton, who earlier stole his majors-leading ninth base, drew a one-out walk in the ninth from Francisco Rodriguez (0-2).
Hamilton took third on a single by Joey Votto and scored standing up on a pitch that bounced in the dirt and off the chest protector of catcher Martin Maldonado.
In other MLB action, it was:
‧ Cardinals 7, Nationals 5
‧ Pirates 4, Cubs 3
‧ Marlins 6, Phillies 1
‧ Rockies 5, Padres 4
‧ White Sox 6, Indians 0
‧ Yankees 13, Tigers 4
‧ Twins 3, Royals 0
‧ Rays 7, Red Sox 5
‧ Blue Jays 4, Orioles 2
‧ Mariners 3, Astros 2
‧ Athletics 9, Angels 2
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