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Beltran homers twice as Mets sweep Nationals

Aug 19, 2007 - 11:09 PM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- The New York Mets success on the road has been impressive, but their success in nation's capital has been incredible.

Carlos Beltran belted two home runs and Shawn Green's two-run single highlighted a four-run eighth inning as the New York Mets defeated the Washington Nationals, 8-2, on Sunday to earn a three-game series sweep.

Owners of the majors' best road record at 38-26, the Mets have played their best baseball at RFK Stadium, where they have won 20 of their last 23 games. Considering those numbers, it comes as no surprise that this was the Mets' fourth sweep in seven series all-time in Washington.

"You really can't explain it," said Mets manager Willie Randolph, referring to the team's success in this ballpark. "It's just baseball. Teams go through stretches like that."

With the game knotted 2-2, Washington reliever Jon Rauch (8-4) started the eighth inning and immediately got into trouble by allowing a leadoff single to Luis Castillo before giving up a double to David Wright.

"We are having better at-bats, moving runners over and hit and running," Wright said. "When this lineup is clicking we are going to score a lot of runs."

Rauch issued an intentional walk to Beltran to load the bases for Green, who grounded a two-run single up the middle past the drawn-in infield. After one out was recorded, Marlon Anderson launched a two-run double off the right field wall to give New York a commanding 6-2 lead.

"It was nice to contribute and drive in a couple of runs," Green said. "It's a good sign that this team is rallying late."

Chris Schroder replaced Rauch, who allowed four runs and four hits in just one-third of an inning. Schroder prevented further damage, for the moment.

"I left everything up today. It didn't matter where the pitch was," Rauch said. "During this homestand, I didn't do my part."

After hitting a solo home run in the sixth that tied the game at 2-2, Beltran cracked a two-run homer off Schroder in the ninth to punctuate the victory. It was the 24th home run of the year for the Mets' outfielder who tallied his fourth career multi-homer game.

"I just feel really good right now," Beltran said. "I feel better and I'm staying back."

In his first start at RFK Stadium, veteran Orlando Hernandez (8-4) earned the win after allowing two runs, three hits and four walks while striking out four in seven innings.

Hernandez has been a good luck charm of sorts for the Mets, who have won the game in each of righthander's last eight starts. Overall, the Mets have won six of seven games and are five games ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.

"My team help me out with offense and defense and it's very good," Hernandez said. "As long as the team wins, I don't care if I get a win."

Making his second start since missing time with a sprained right elbow, Washington starter Shawn Hill allowed two runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out two in seven innings.

In his second game with the Nationals since being acquired from the Boston Red Sox on Friday, Wily Mo Pena hit a majestic home run to left center field in the fourth inning to give Washington its only lead of the game at 2-1.