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WASHINGTON — Justin Maxwell’s grand slam off All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez with two outs in the ninth inning gave the Nationals a 7-4 victory over the New York Mets on Wednesday, Washington’s first win all season when trailing after eight innings.
Maxwell drove a full-count pitch from Rodriguez (3-6) barely over the wall in left field.
As the rookie rounded the bases, the Nationals streamed out of the dugout to greet him at home plate in a celebration worthy of a postseason victory — not a series sweep by a last-place team that avoided loss No. 104.
Pirates 4, Cubs 0
CHICAGO — Charlie Morton pitched a four-hitter to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a victory over the Chicago Cubs in the first game of a doubleheader.
Jason Jaramillo had a two-run double in the first inning, when the Pirates did all of their scoring against Ted Lilly. Lastings Milledge made the entire rally possible by wiping out shortstop Ryan Theriot to break up what would have been an inning-ending double play.
Reds 6, Cardinals 1
CINCINNATI — Laynce Nix hit a grand slam off John Smoltz, Bronson Arroyo pitched into the ninth inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals.
Arroyo allowed one run and four hits in 8 1-3 innings, falling just short of his fourth complete game of the season. The right-hander improved to 7-5 with a 2.07 ERA in his last 16 starts, tying his career high with his 15th victory of the season.
Marlins 5, Braves 4
ATLANTA Ricky Nolasco struck out nine straight Atlanta Braves and finished with 16 strikeouts — the most by a major league pitcher in more than two years — and the Florida Marlins held on for a victory.
Trying to make a late push for the NL wild card, the Braves rallied for two runs in the ninth inning and loaded the bases with two outs. But the game ended when Matt Diaz was thrown out trying to scamper back to third following a pitch in the dirt.