Báez 4 for 4, Pillar slam, Mets hit 4 HRs to beat Nats 13-6

WASHINGTON (AP) — Javier Báez went 4 for 4 with a home run, Kevin Pillar hit a grand slam that capped a game-sealing, six-run ninth inning, and the New York Mets withstood another rally from the Washington Nationals to earn a 13-6 victory Sunday.

Francisco Lindor and Jonathan Villar also homered for the Mets, who squandered an early four-run lead but got 4 2/3 shutout innings from their bullpen to win for the seventh time in eight games.

Going into the day, the Mets had made up 5 ½ games on the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves since Aug. 28.

“We can’t constantly stare at the scoreboard,” Pillar said. “I know we’ve gotten some help over the last couple days, which helped us. Ultimately, it comes down to us taking care of business. With the margin we’re at right now, we know we have games with Philly left. We know we have the last three games of the year with Atlanta. If you had told me we’d be 2 ½ back two weeks ago, we’d like our chances.”

Lane Thomas and Josh Bell homered for Washington, which has lost eight of nine and 24 and its last 31.

With the score 6-all, Andres Machado (1-2) allowed three consecutive singles to open the eighth before Patrick Mazeika’s sacrifice fly to a diving Thomas in center put the Mets ahead.

Lindor greeted Austin Voth in the ninth with a first-pitch drive for his 13th homer. Voth allowed three more hits and a walk before Pillar sent a shot into the seats in left-center for his 14th homer of the year and third career grand slam.

Aaron Loup (5-0) worked a scoreless seventh. It was the 42nd victory by Mets relievers this season, the most in the National League.

Washington starter Josiah Gray’s three-inning outing was the shortest of his brief career. He allowed six runs on seven hits while striking out two. After allowing a four-run first,...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/B-ez-4-for-4-Pillar-slam-Mets-hit-4-HRs-to-16437453.php