• Nationals 12, Brewers 2: WASHINGTON — Jayson Werth wound up with a two-out, two-run double when Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez lost a ball in the sun to spark a six-run fourth inning, and Washington beat Milwaukee to cut its magic number for winning the NL East to five. Jordan Zimmermann (12-8) allowed one run and four hits in 6 2⁄3 innings, while delivering two hits and driving in a run as a batter. Ryan Zimmerman produced three hits and four RBIs for the Nationals, who are a majors-best 93-60 and increased their division lead over the Atlanta Braves to five games with nine to play.
• Mets 6, Pirates 2: NEW YORK — Ike Davis connected twice and reached a career-high 30 homers, Jenrry Mejia pitched five effective innings for his first major league win and New York won its fourth straight. Davis had a career-best five RBIs and Mejia (1-1) allowed four singles and two walks. The right-hander struck out four and only his last out was made by an outfielder. The Pirates lost for the 31st time in 43 games since improving to a season-high 16 games above .500 (63-47) on Aug. 8.
• Cardinals 6, Astros 1: HOUSTON — Lance Lynn pitched seven innings to earn his 17th win, rookie Pete Kozma hit a two-run homer and St. Louis strengthened its grip on a playoff spot. Yadier Molina added a solo shot as the Cardinals moved 3½ games in front of Milwaukee and Los Angeles for the second NL wild card. Lynn (17-7) struck out nine and allowed one run and five hits. The right-hander is 4-0 with a sparkling 0.89 ERA in his past four outings, including a relief appearance against Milwaukee on Sept. 9.
• Rockies 4, Diamondbacks 2: DENVER — Tyler Chatwood pitched effectively into the sixth inning and Andrew Brown homered in Colorado’s victory. Jason Kubel homered for Arizona, which has slim hopes of a late-season playoff push. Arizona fell 5½ games behind St. Louis with nine remaining in the race for the second NL wild card. Tyler Colvin and Charlie Blackmon had two hits each for Colorado. Rafael Betancourt worked the ninth for his 30th save.