Mets beat Cubs 8-5, still in position to make playoffs

Francisco Lindor homered to reach the 30-30 milestone for the second time, Brett Baty went deep and the New York Mets beat the Chicago Cubs 8-5 on Thursday night to remain in position for the final National League wild card.

The Mets built a six-run lead and withstood a shaky outing by rookie Nolan McLean (5-1). They remained a game ahead of Cincinnati in the playoff race, with the Reds beating Pittsburgh 2-1.

Chicago’s Shota Imanaga (9-8) got tagged for a season-high eight runs in 5 2/3 innings. Seiya Suzuki homered twice and Dansby Swanson also connected for the Cubs, who have lost six of seven.

Chicago leads San Diego by two games with three to play for the top wild card and home-field advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Those two teams will meet in Game 1 on Tuesday.

At game's end, the Cubs had not announced a starter for Friday’s game against St. Louis and RHP Miles Mikolas (8-10, 4.76).



(AP Photo Nam Y. Huh)