New YOrk: David Wright highlighted a three-run sixth inning with a controversial RBI triple as the New York Mets pounded out 14 hits in a 7-4 victory against Atlanta.
The Mets had a one-run lead when Wright stepped in and drove a 1-2 slider to the left-center field warning track where the ball appeared to hit a gate behind an advertisement in front of a standing-room only section.
Atlanta center fielder Reed Johnson and left fielder Evan Gattis did not chasee the ball, believing it was going to be a ground-rule double. But umpires ruled it a triple and Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez engaged in a brief argument before being ejected by third base umpire Chad Fairchild.
Meanwhile, Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as the Washington Nationals survived a meltdown and beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-7 to end a six-game losing streak.
Harper crushed a 1-1 pitch from Bryan Morris into the left-center seats for his first career walk-off homer. REUTERS
