Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning to support Oliver Perez and lead the New York Mets to an 8-3 victory Sunday over the bumbling Cincinnati Reds.

Fresh off a series sweep by the Florida Marlins, the Nationals optioned left-hander Mike O'Connor to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday and recalled right-hander Chris Schroder from the Clippers.

Dan Uggla has no explanation for his sudden power surge.

The Nationals optioned left-hander Mike O'Connor to Triple-A Columbus after Washington's 5-4 loss to the Florida Marlins on Sunday and recalled right-hander Chris Schroder from the Clippers.

Out since early April with a sprained lower back, Dmitri Young is ready to begin a rehab assignment.

Freddy Sanchez lifted the Pittsburgh Pirates to another dramatic win with a ninth-inning RBI single. Rickie Weeks stopped Milwaukee's six-game losing with a big hit of his own in the Brewers' last at-bat.

Cincinnati at New York Mets (1:10 and 7:30 p.m.) Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey will start for the Mets against Matt Belisle and Bronson Arroyo for the struggling Reds.

Elijah Dukes' first spin with the Washington Nationals lasted all of one day. He was in the starting lineup on opening night when he injured his right hamstring, forcing a stint on the disabled list.

It was only a matter of time for Nationals pitcher Matt Chico.

Two Washington Nationals players who don't get much playing time made the most of their opportunities.