National League: Braves and Mets tied for top in the East

WASHINGTON — Ronald Acuna hit two homers and the Atlanta Braves joined the New York Mets at the top of their division on Tuesday, beating the Washington Nationals 8-2.

The Mets were beaten 6-4 by the Miami Marlins in New York.

Acuna has hit two solo homers for the Braves, who have won their last four games.

Orlando Arcia broke the 2-2 deadlock with a solo slap in the fifth. Arcia had also hit a home run the day before.

The win went to reliever Collin McHugh (3-2), the loss to Paolo Espino (0-8). He allowed four runs and five hits in five innings.

Defending World Series champions, the Braves will host the Mets from Friday to Sunday.

It is already assured that the two clubs will take part in the playoffs.

At Citi Field, Pete Alonso hit his 40th homer of the season. He became the first player in Mets history with two seasons of at least 40 homers. Alonso slammed 53 in 2019.