Nationals 9, Mets 6

New York – The Mets blew a five-run lead Wednesday night and lost again to Washington, cutting their lead over Philadelphia in the NL East to one game. The Phillies haven’t been this close to first place since they lost on opening day.

Phillies 5, Braves 2

Philadelphia – Kyle Lohse pitched seven strong innings, and Philadelphia improved its playoff hopes.

Marlins 7, Cubs 4

Miami – The Cubs lost for the second straight night to last-place Florida, but their magic number for clinching the Central dropped to three as Milwaukee lost to St. Louis.

Cardinals 7, Brewers 3

Milwaukee – Milwaukee wasted a chance to cut its NL Central deficit to one game, giving up a first-inning home run to Albert Pujols.

Pirates 5, Diamondbacks 1

Pittsburgh – Adam LaRoche drove in three runs with two doubles.

Astros 7, Reds 6

Cincinnati – Lance Berkman hit two of Houston’s four home runs, and Luke Scott drove in the winning run in the eighth with a single. Hunter Pence and Carlos Lee also homered.

Padres 11, Giants 3

San Francisco – Jake Peavy won his NL-leading 19th game, and San Diego spoiled Barry Bonds’ home finale. The Padres remained one game up on Philadelphia and Colorado in the NL wild-card race and pulled within one game of first-place Arizona in the NL West.

Rockies 2, Dodgers 0

Los Angeles – Josh Fogg allowed five hits over 62â3 innings to lead Colorado to a franchise-record 10th straight victory. Colorado remained tied with Philadelphia, one game behind San Diego in the wild-card race.