New York roughs up rookie lefty DJ Herz, knocking him out during a nine-run fourth inning as the Mets complete a three-game sweep to buoy their playoff hopes.

The Chicago Cubs will look to keep their flickering postseason aspirations alive on Friday afternoon when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Washington Nationals.

The Washington Nationals returned from rehab assignment and reinstated right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams from the 60-day Injured List and optioned right-handed pitcher Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Sharp in return

Brandon Nimmo hit the tie-breaking homer in the third inning and finished with three RBIs Thursday night for the red-hot New York Mets, who beat the visiting Philadelphia Phillies 10-6 in the opener of a four-game series between the National League East rivals.

If you heard an explosion in Flushing on Wednesday, don’t worry, it was just the Mets‘ bats. Questions about how the Mets would produce offense without Francisco Lindor have quieted for another night after they used a nine-run fourth inning to finish a sweep of the Washington Nationals.