Mets rout Phillies again, 12-1

NEW YORK >> Yoenis Cespedes clocked a three-run homer, Kelly Johnson had a pinch-hit grand slam and Noah Syndergaard pitched two-hit ball over seven innings as the resurgent New York Mets routed the Philadelphia Phillies 12-1 on Saturday night.

Asdrubal Cabrera homered for the third time in two games, a two-run drive that put New York ahead against Jeremy Hellickson (10-8). Neil Walker added his 23rd of the season to match a career high, giving the Mets four homers for the second consecutive night in a blowout of Philadelphia. Alejandro De Aza added a two-run double for the Mets, who won for the sixth time in seven games as they attempt to make a charge in the bunched-up NL wildcard chase.

Jose Reyes and Cabrera each had three hits, once again providing a spark from the top two spots in the lineup since both came off the disabled list. Mostly healthy at last after lagging through much of the summer as one of baseball’s weakest offenses, the Mets have totaled 31 runs while winning their past three games.

New York now has 87 home runs at Citi Field this season, surpassing its previous record of 85 set last year. The ballpark opened in 2009.

Syndergaard (12-7) chipped in with a long double and won his third straight start, improving to 4-0 in four career outings against the Phillies. The only damage against him came on Freddy Galvis’ homer in the third.

New York has taken 12 of its past 14 series with Philadelphia.

Hellickson, who had won four consecutive decisions and six of his last seven, gave up a three-run shot to Cespedes that gave the Mets a 5-1 cushion with two outs in the fourth.

Philadelphia won Hellickson’s previous six starts. CHESTER >> As Jimmy Medranda was issued his marching orders in the 59th minute Saturday night, the imperative was crystal clear for the Union.

Against an injury-plagued Sporting Kansas City team, weary from a month more or less spent on the road, up a man, no less than three points would be acceptable.

It took another red card and two minutes of stoppage time, but ultimately it was mission accomplished for the Philadelphia Union in a 2-0 win.

Substitute Roland Alberg notched the game-winner, then played in Tranquillo Barnetta for the icing on the cake, prying open nine-man SKC and taking the full three points.

The win creates space for the Union (11-9-7, 40 points) in the playoff hunt as they hope for a top four finish for a home