NEW YORK: Right fielder Jayson Werth hit a game-winning double with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as Nationals overcame Brewers 5-4 in the battle between division leaders.
The hit down the left field line scored third baseman Anthony Rendon, who had reached on a fielder’s choice after a Denard Span single. It was the 11th last at-bat victory of the season for the Nationals.
Rafael Soriano (2-0) picked up the win, while Rob Wooten (1-4) was tagged with the loss. The Brewers tied the game at 4 in the top of the ninth on a one-out single by Rickie Weeks (two hits) against Soriano.
The loss temporarily dropped Milwaukee half a game behind the Cardinals in the NL Central. Rookie second baseman Tommy La Stella hit a three-run double in the third inning as Atlanta gave Alex Wood an early cushion in a rain-interrupted victory over Philadelphia.
Wood (7-7) retired the last 13 batters he faced and the only run against him was a home run by John Mayberry Jr. in the second inning. The left-hander allowed three hits, walked none and struck out eight in six innings.
La Stella shines with the bases jammed, going 6-for-7 with 13 RBIs when he comes up with the bases loaded.
The win enabled Atlanta to keep pace with Washington atop the NL East.
The Miami Marlins scored the winning run on a seventh-inning wild pitch, snapping a six-game losing streak by beating the San Francisco Giants 3-2 at Marlins Park. The Giants saw their three-game winning streak end.
The winning rally started with a leadoff double to center by shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, who advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by catcher Jeff Mathis.
Giants starter Tim Lincecum (9-6) then bounced a curveball on a 3-1 pitch to pinch hitter Reed Johnson that allowed Hechavarria to score. The win went to Brad Hand (1-2), who is just 3-12 in his major league career. Closer Steve Cishek earned his 21st save.
Drew Smyly held Cleveland to one run and four hits in seven innings and Torii Hunter blasted a two-run homer as Detroit salvaged the finale of a four-game series.REUTERS
