WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Ronnie Belliard's three-run homer highlighted a five-run fifth inning Tuesday as Washington edged the New York Mets 9-8.
Belliard was 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Austin Kearns homered, drove in two runs and scored twice for the Nationals. D'Angelo Jimenez also homered for Washington, which has won three of its last four games.
Shawn Green homered for the second straight game and ended 3-for-4, but the Mets' pitching staff allowed a four-run lead slip away and New York lost its fifth straight.
Paul Lo Duca and Endy Chavez each drove in two runs for the Mets, who saw their lead in the NL East fall to two games over Philadelphia.
New York's John Maine (14-10) suffered the loss, his fifth in six decisions. He allowed eight runs on 11 hits over 4 1/3 innings.
