Diamondbacks stop bleeding; Astros tie series with Rangers

WASHINGTON — Ketel Marte smacked a bases-loaded single in the ninth inning to drive in the winning run as the Arizona Diamondbacks beat Philadelphia 2-1 on Thursday in the Major League Baseball playoffs.

Marte’s third hit of the game delivered a dramatic walk-off victory that pulled Arizona within 2-1 of the Phillies in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series with Games 4 and 5 at Phoenix on Friday and Saturday.

“I’m feeling great,” Marte said. “That’s what I’m trying to do every time, doing my best to help the team to get a win.”

At Texas, Jose Abreu blasted a three-run home run and Chas McCormick belted a two-run homer to help the defending champion Houston Astros win 10-3 and level the American League Championship Series at 2-2 with Game 5 Friday at Texas.

“We’re just focused right now,” Houston slugger Jose Altuve said. “We knew when we were down two games the pressure was on our side.

“The thing is looking good right now. Nothing is done yet, but to have the opportunity to come back and to tie the series, it’s really important for us.”