Yoenis Cespedes hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning moments after pinch-hitter Kelly Johnson connected for a game-leveling shot as the New York Mets rallied past the Washington Nationals 5-3 on Wednesday for a pivotal three-game sweep.
Jacob deGrom (13-7) pitched seven strong innings in a tight duel with Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg, who struck out a season-high 13.
Johnson’s leadoff drive against Strasburg (8-7) tied it 2-all before Cespedes teed off for a two-run shot against struggling Drew Storen, sending the Mets to their third consecutive comeback victory in the series.
Photo: AP
The sweep extended New York’s lead in the NL East to seven games over Washington with 23 to play. The Mets have won six straight against the Nationals, including a three-game sweep at Citi Field from July 31 to Aug. 2.
Bryce Harper homered twice, doubled and scored three times for Washington, but it was not enough.
New York with an RBI single off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth.
Travis d’Arnaud also homered for the Mets. Jeurys Familia closed for his 39th save.
CARDINALS 4, CUBS 3
In St Louis, Missouri, Matt Carpenter tripled and scored twice, and Stephen Piscotty doubled in the decisive run as St Louis beat Chicago to end a three-game skid.
The NL Central leaders scored three times in the eighth inning to avoid their first sweep at home this season and their first against the Cubs since September 2010.
Cubs starter Jon Lester left after seven dominant innings. He did not allow a hit after the third batter and retired 20 of his final 21 hitters.
In other MLB action, it was:
‧ Red Sox 10, Blue Jays 4
‧ Orioles 5, Yankees 3
‧ Pirates 5, Reds 4
‧ Braves 8, Phillies 1
‧ Rays 8, Tigers 0
‧ Marlins 5, Brewers 2
‧ Indians 6, White Sox 4
‧ Angels 3, Dodgers 2
‧ Twins 3, Royals 2, 12 inns
‧ Diamondbacks 2, Giants 1
‧ Padres 11, Rockies 4
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