Mets 13, Marlins 0

New York – John Maine stopped the New York Mets’ slide with an overpowering performance that pulled them into a first-place tie. Maine flirted with the first no-hitter in team history before allowing an infield single to Paul Hoover with two outs in the eighth inning, and New York snapped out of its September doldrums.

“We weren’t going to lose today,” Maine said.

Maine finished with 14 strikeouts, the most by a Mets pitcher in eight years, and departed to a raucous ovation long after Florida catcher Miguel Olivo charged across the diamond and threw a punch at buddy Jose Reyes in the fifth – setting off a bench-clearing brawl.

Once order was restored, the Mets ended a five-game skid that cost them their NL East lead. Hours later, they moved back into a tie with Philadelphia for first place in the NL East when the Phillies lost 4-2 to Washington.

After squandering a seven-game cushion with 17 to play and falling a game back, New York entered Saturday with a chance suddenly to be eliminated from postseason contention.

Nationals 4, Phillies 2

Philadelphia – Matt Chico pitched six solid innings. If Philadelphia and the Mets are still tied after today, there will be a one-game playoff Monday at Citizens Bank Park to determine the East winner.

Rockies 11, Diamondbacks 1

Denver – Troy Tulowitzki hit a grand slam, and Colorado moved within one game of wild-card-leading San Diego.

Brewers 4, Padres 3, 11 inn.

Milwaukee – Tony Gwynn Jr. hit a tying, two-out triple off Trevor Hoffman in the ninth inning, and Milwaukee went on to beat San Diego in the 11th.

Astros 3, Braves 2

Houston – Brandon Backe pitched six strong innings and hit a home run.

Cubs 4, Reds 0

Cincinnati – With their regulars resting after a late-night champagne party, Rich Hill and the Chicago Cubs reserves kept the momentum going. Hill allowed only one hit in six innings – a suitable tuneup for the playoffs – and Matt Murton and Ronny Cedeno hit solo homers.

Cardinals 7, Pirates 3

Pittsburgh – Adam Wainwright recovered from a shaky start to pitch seven sharp innings, and Rick Ankiel homered and had three RBIs. Ankiel, Albert Pujols and Gary Bennett each had three hits for the defending World Series champions, who have won four in a row.