Beltran homers twice, leads Mets past Phillies 7-3 to prevent NL East title celebration

Mets prevent Phils from clinching NL East at home

PHILADELPHIA — Carlos Beltran hit a pair of homers, David Wright also connected and the New York Mets beat Philadelphia 7-3 on Sunday, preventing the Phillies from clinching their fourth straight NL East title at home.

The two-time defending NL champions came in needing a win and a loss by Atlanta to secure the division crown. The Braves lost 4-2 to Washington, dropping Philadelphia’s magic number to one.

Chase Utley hit a three-run homer for the Phillies, who will finish the season on the road with three games at Washington and three at Atlanta.

The Mets roughed up Cole Hamels (12-11) again. Hamels allowed five runs and nine hits in four-plus innings, falling to 0-4 against New York this year.