Alonso, Lindor pace Mets’ big 6th inning

Pete Alonso hit a threerun homer and Francisco Lindor clubbed New York’s first grand slam this season during a 10run sixth inning, and the Mets embarrassed the Pirates 134 on Friday at Citi Field.

Taijuan Walker allowed two runs over five innings and was told after the game by manager Luis Rojas that he’d been added to the National League AllStar team. The Mets are undefeated in his eight home starts.

The NL East leaders got to Pittsburgh starter JT Brubaker (49) in the sixth, leading off the inning with a single by Brandon Nimmo and a fullcount walk by Lindor. Dominic Smith singled, scoring Nimmo and breaking a 22 tie.

After a brief mound visit by the pitching coach, Alonso crushed one in close vicinity of the Pirates’ bullpen, chasing Brubaker.

Yankees 4, Astros 0:

Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a threehitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead visiting New York over Houston.

Red Sox 11, Phillies 5:

Kiké Hernandez led off the Boston first with a home run, J.D. Martinez hit a threerun shot and Rafael Devers also homered as the Red Sox won their ninth straight at Fenway Park.

Braves 5, Marlins 0:

Charlie Morton pitched seven innings of twohit ball, Ronald Acuña Jr. was restrained after being plunked by another Miami pitcher and visiting Atlanta prevailed. Anthony Bender hit Acuña in the seventh. Miami pitchers have hit Acuña seven times since the threetime AllStar’s rookie season in 2018.

Indians 2, Royals 1:

Bobby Bradley homered leading off the ninth inning as Cleveland overcame some brutal baserunning that led to manager Terry Francona’s ejection for a win over visiting Kansas City. Francona was tossed after thirdbase umpire James Hoye called both runners out in an eighthinning rundown. Cubs 10, Cardinals 5: Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit a tworun homer and host Chicago beat St. Louis. White Sox 12, Orioles 1: Baltimorearea native Gavin Sheets, son of 1980s Orioles outfielder Larry Sheets, homered in his first trip to Camden Yards as a major leaguer, and Chicago rolled.

Rays 7, Jays 1: Three Tampa Bay relievers combined on five scoreless innings, JiMan Choi drove in three runs and the host Rays won their fifth consecutive game.

Reds 2, Brewers 0:

Wade Miley pitched eight shutout innings and helped himself by doubling and scoring, and Cincinnati snapped Milwaukee’s sevengame home winning streak. Miley struck out four and allowed seven hits and three walks. Twins 4, Tigers 2: Max Kepler hit a tworun triple during a fourrun sixth inning, Kenta Maeda pitched five scoreless innings, and host Minnesota beat Detroit.