Jameson Taillon carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his second major league start and picked up his first career win by allowing two hits in eight shutout innings Tuesday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the New York Mets 4-0 at Citi Field. Jung Ho Kang and Starling Marte hit two-run homers in the sixth and eighth innings, respectively, for the Pirates. Taillon, who made his major league debut against the Mets last Tuesday, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis before the game to fill the rotation spot vacated by injured Gerrit Cole. A six-pitch first inning against a depleted New York lineup missing five Opening Day starters provided an early hint that Taillon might flirt with history. The Mets' only base runners in the first six innings were Kevin Plawecki, who was hit by a pitch in the third, and Yoenis Cespedes, who drew a walk in the fourth. The closest Taillon came to giving up a hit was on slow rollers to first base by Curtis Granderson in the fourth and Alejandro De Aza and Asdrubal Cabrera in the sixth. Taillon's bid to throw the Pirates' first no-hitter since 1997 — and to become the third pitcher in history to throw a no-hitter in his second career start — ended in the seventh when Granderson led off with a clean single between second baseman Josh Harrison and shortstop Jordy Mercer, each of whom dived for the ball. Cubs 4, Nationals 3: Albert Almora Jr. had an RBI double with one out in the top of the ninth inning to break a tie as Chicago beat the Washington in a matchup of division leaders. Sacrifice flies by Anthony Rendon and Ben Revere helped the Nationals rally from a 3-1 deficit in the late innings. Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez allowed three runs and five hits in 6-1/3 innings. Chicago's John Lacker gave up two run and four hits in six-plus innings in his 400th career start. Orioles 3, Red Sox 2: Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, Chris Tillman threw 120 pitches in seven strong innings and Baltimore held off Boston to reclaim first place in the American League East. Jonathan Schoop added a solo home run for the Orioles, who have won five of eight meetings and hold a one-game lead over the Red Sox. Tillman allowed one run and five hits to improve to 9-1 and Zach Britton struck out four to get a five-out save. Jackie Bradley Jr. homered for the Red Sox, who wasted a good outing from David Price. Price allowed three runs and five hits while getting 11 strikeouts in eight innings. Blue Jays 11, Phillies 3: Josh Donaldson hit a grand slam and drove in five runs as Toronto rolled past Philadelphia. Ezequiel Carrera, Kevin Pillar and Edwin Encarnacion also homered for the Blue Jays (36-31), who have won four of their past five games. Royals 3, Indians 2: Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer with two outs in the eighth and Kansas City beat Cleveland for its fourth straight victory. Astros 5, Cardinals 2: Doug Fister pitched 7-1/3 innings and had a two-run single to lead Houston past St. Louis. In other games it was: Rays 8, Mariners 7; Reds 3, Braves 1; Tigers 11, White Sox 8; Rockies 13, Yankees 10; Dodgers 7, Diamondbacks 4; Angels 5, Twins 4; Marlins 5, Padres 2; Rangers 10, A's 6; Giants 3, Brewers 2.
