Beltran’s hit helps Yankees blank out the Mets

Right-fielder Carlos Beltran belted a three-run homer in the first-innings while right-hander Michael Pineda combined with six relievers on a six-hit shutout as the New York Yankees blanked the Mets 5-0.

The Yankees (81-66) moved within four games of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East pending the Blue Jays’ game against the Boston Red Sox later on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Jorge Soler and third baseman Kris Bryant hit back-to-back solo home runs in the fifth-innings as the Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4.

The game involved some drama a day after Cubs manager Joe Maddon criticised Cardinals reliever Matt Belisle for hitting first baseman Anthony Rizzo with a pitch.

Both benches were warned after the Cubs’ Fernando Rodney hit second baseman Kolten Wong in the eighth, the second time Wong was hit.

The Los Angeles Angels had no run-scoring hits but pieced together enough offence to beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 in the first game of a doubleheader.

All four runs scored by the Angels came via a sacrifice or a fielder’s choice, including the game-winner in the top of the 12th innings when Daniel Robertson scored after a Kole Calhoun line drive was mis-fielded by Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar and his throw home was late.

Other results:

Angels 5, Twins 2

Nationals 5, Marlins 2

Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 6

Diamondbacks 6, Giants 0

Orioles 2, Rays 1

Braves 2, Phillies 1

White Sox 4, Indians 3

Reds 9, Brewers 7

Astros 10, Athletics 6

Rangers 10, Mariners 1

Tigers 6, Royals 5

Pirates 3, Dodgers 2