Best of MLB: Bartolo Colon Homers in Mets' Win Over Padres

SAN DIEGO -- Bartolo Colon turned on an inside fastball from James Shields, launching a home run that was as improbable as it was historic.

Colon became the oldest player to hit his first major league home run, connecting Saturday night less than three weeks before his 43rd birthday, to help the New York Mets to a 6-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.

As the Mets' dugout went wild, Colon watched the ball all the way to its landing spot in the seats in the left-field corner. He didn't toss his bat until he was well more than halfway to first base. The portly pitcher's trot around the bases after hitting the impressive two-run shot took about 30 seconds.

When he returned to the dugout, his teammates were hiding in the tunnel before coming out to mob him (see full recap).

Russell, Cubs beat Nationals for 6th straight victory
CHICAGO -- Addison Russell is enjoying his high-pressure situations at the plate.

Russell dropped in a tiebreaking, two-run double in the seventh inning and the Chicago Cubs beat the Washington Nationals 8-5 Saturday for their sixth straight victory.

Russell is now 10-for-32 (.313) with 16 RBIs with runners in scoring position this season.

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"It's fun," Russell said. "Just try to slow the game down, just try to do your best to perform out there and just try to have some fun with it."

And Russell said he benefited from having the previous day off. The shortstop had the chance to visit with family and chatted with teammates.

"It was nice to gather my thoughts," said Russell, who is hitting .237 (see full recap).

Carpenter homers to lift Cardinals to win over Pirates
ST. LOUIS -- One big swing for Matt Carpenter put it away for the St. Louis Cardinals.This time, the Pittsburgh Pirates had no chance for another rally.

Carpenter hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning, lifting the Cardinals to a 6-4 victory over the Pirates on Saturday.

"It's awesome being able to win the game like that, especially the way it played out beforehand," Carpenter said. "That was a big win."

Pittsburgh tied it at 4 in the top of the ninth when Starling Marte hit a ground-rule double off Trevor Rosenthal (1-1) with runners on first and third. Francisco Cervelli then grounded out to end the inning.

If Marte's drive had not bounced over the left-field fence, Gregory Polanco would have had a chance to score (see full recap).

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