Yanks, Nats split in quirky twin bill

WASHINGTON — Aaron Hicks’ go-ahead two-run homer helped the New York Yankees beat Washington 4-2 in the second game of an unusual semi-doubleheader Monday after pinch-hitter Juan Soto’s tiebreaking two-run shot for the Nationals won the opener 5-3.

These games originally were scheduled more than a month ago, and Game 1 resumed after being suspended because of rain in the middle of the sixth — so technically, Soto managed to homer in a game played before he made his major league debut.

Huh?

Soto, 19, was called up from the minors for the first time five days after Game 1 started May 15; it picked back up at 3-all and the Nationals about to bat in the bottom of the sixth. After Bryce Harper — who had a beard back on May 15, when the game began but was clean-shaven this time — struck out and Anthony Rendon singled, Soto drove a fastball from Chad Green to the back of the second deck in right field.

It was Soto’s sixth homer since he was brought up from Class AA Harrisburg on May 20 — and second against the Yankees. Soto stood and admired this one before beginning his trot around the bases.

PHILLIES 6, CARDINALS 5: Left fielder Marcell Ozuna dived for and missed Aaron Altherr’s two-run double with two out in the 10th inning, allowing Philadelphia to rally past visiting St. Louis. Tommy Pham hit a solo homer in the top of the 10th for the Cards an inning after a wild pitch on a strikeout kept the game going. PIRATES 1, MARLINS 0: Trevor Williams pitched onehit ball over seven innings, and two Pittsburgh relievers closed out a two-hitter agaisnt visiting Milwaukee. Williams struck out seven and walked two for his first victory in a month. INDIANS 6, WHITE SOX 2: Trevor Bauer shut out Chicago for seven innings before a rain delay ended his night, and Jason Kipnis homered to lead Cleveland past visiting Chicago.