Braves edge Giants 6-5 in matchup of NL division leaders
ATLANTA (AP) — Jorge Soler hit a goahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, Joc Pederson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat San Francisco 6-5 on Friday night to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak in a matchup of NL division leaders.
Wilmer Flores led off the ninth with a homer against Braves closer Will Smith to trim Atlanta’s lead to one.
Buster Posey hit a two-run homer in his return to San Francisco’s lineup. Adam Duvall also homered for the Braves.
A.J. Minter (2-4) pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. Losing pitcher Tony Watson (54) allowed three hits, a walk and three earned runs.
NATIONALS 2, METS 1
NEW YORK (AP) — Paolo Espino struck out a career-high seven while also singling and scoring a run for the first time in the majors, leading Washington past New York, which lost for the 19th time in 25 games this month.
Only two players got beyond first base against Espino and four relievers. Francisco Lindor tripled with two outs in the first and was stranded when Javier B√°ez, who homered in the fourth, struck out.
Espino (4-4) allowed three hits and walked none over five innings. Kyle Finnegan earned his sixth save.
Rich Hill (6-6) took the loss. He gave up five hits and walked none with eight strikeouts in five innings. ASTROS 5, RANGERS 4
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Michael Brantley hit a tying, two-run single as the sixth consecutive Houston batter to reach starting the seventh inning, and the AL West-leading Astros rallied to beat last-place Texas.
Phil Maton (3-0) got the win despite allowing two runs in his only inning of work. Ryan Pressly worked the ninth for his 20th save in 22 chances.