Mead’s 3-run HR, Nuñez’s big night lift the Nationals to a 6-4 victory over the Royals

WASHINGTON (AP) — Curtis Mead hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift the Washington Nationals to a 6-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Nasim Nuñez tripled twice and scored three times for the Nationals, who will go for a three-game sweep Wednesday after handing Kansas City its sixth loss in seven games. The Royals are a season-high 16 games under .500.

Paxton Schultz (1-2) got the win in relief, and Gus Varland pitched the ninth — allowing a solo homer by ex-National Lane Thomas — for his sixth save. Daniel Lynch IV (2-1) took the loss.

Nationals starter Foster Griffin allowed a run and six hits in six innings with two walks and six strikeouts. A first-round draft pick of Kansas City’s a dozen years ago, Griffin has allowed one run or fewer in four of his last five outings.

But Isaac Collins tied it at 3 for the Royals with a two-run single in the seventh. The Nats answered immediately. Nuñez drew a leadoff walk and then hustled to beat shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to second base, turning James Wood’s roller up the middle from a double play into a regular 6-3 grounder.

After Nuñez stole third without a throw, pinch-hitter Andrés Chaparro drew a walk and Mead sent a drive to left-center field for his 11th homer of the season.

The Royals are a major league-worst 3-17 in 20 games this year against left-handed starters.

Michael Wacha allowed three runs in six innings for Kansa...