Fredi Gonzalez doesn’t want to discuss the NL East standings.
In fact, one mention of the Braves’ big lead in the division made Atlanta’s manager groan and complain “I don’t even want to talk about that. It’s June 2.”
Ramiro Pena and B.J. Upton hit home runs, Paul Maholm won his third straight decision and the Braves beat the Nationals 6-3 yesterday in Atlanta to stretch their lead in the NL East.
The Braves won two of three from the Nationals and lead Washington by 6.5 games — the biggest advantage for any first-place team in the majors. Atlanta is 15-6 against NL East teams, including 7-3 against the Nationals (28-29).
Phillies 7, Brewers 5
In Philadelphia, Domonic Brown homered, tripled and drove in four runs to back up the effective pitching of Cliff Lee and the Phillies held on to beat the Brewers and snap a three-game losing streak.
Giants 4, Cardinals 2
In St. Louis, Chad Gaudin picked up a win in his first start in over three years and Brandon Belt broke a tie with a two-run pinch-hit double to lead the Giants over the Cardinals, ending San Francisco’s seven-game road skid. Gaudin (1-1) went six innings in his first start since Sept. 28, 2009 as a member of the Yankees.
Pirates 5, Reds 4 (11)
In Pittsburgh, Travis Snider hit an RBI single with two outs in the 11th inning and the Pirates, boosted by a stellar effort from their bullpen, with five relievers combining for 10 scoreless innings, beat the Reds.
Diamondbacks 8, Cubs 4
In Chicago, Patrick Corbin became the major leagues’ first nine-game winner, laboring through six innings, and the Diamondbacks defeated the Cubs. Corbin (9-0) allowed four runs and six hits, tying the team record for consecutive wins at the start of the season, set by Brandon Webb in 2008.
Rockies 7, Dodgers 2
In Denver, Dexter Fowler hit two homers off fill-in starter Matt Magill and Jorge De La Rosa pitched seven effective innings, helping the Rockies beat the slumping Dodgers.
Orioles 4, Tigers 2
In Baltimore, Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 20th homer to ignite a three-run seventh inning, and the Orioles got a strong pitching performance from rookie Kevin Gausman in a comeback victory over the Tigers.
Rays 11, Indians 3
In Cleveland, Evan Longoria and Yunel Escobar both hit two-run homers and James Loney added a two-run double, leading the Rays over the Indians.
Rangers 3, Royals 1
In Arlington, Texas, Jurickson Profar hit a tiebreaking home run with two outs in the eighth inning, lifting the Rangers over the Royals.
Astros 5, Angels 4
In Anaheim, Carlos Pena and Carlos Corporan homered against C.J. Wilson and Jordan Lyles turned in his fourth impressive outing in a row for the Astros, who beat the Angels and extended their winning streak to a season-high five games.
Athletics 2, White Sox 0
In Oakland, Josh Donaldson’s sixth-inning sacrifice fly ended a career-best 28-inning scoreless streak by Chicago starter Chris Sale, and the Athletics beat the White Sox for a weekend sweep.
Twins 10, Mariners 0
In Minneapolis, Scott Diamond pitched six shutout innings and Josh Willingham hit one of the Twins’ four home runs and drove in three runs in a rout of the Mariners.