Expos 6, Marlins 2

MONTREAL – Endy Chavez hit a tying two-run triple in the sixth, then scored the go-ahead run on Jamey Carroll’s sacrifice fly to lead the Montreal Expos over the Florida Marlins 6-2.

Rocky Biddle (2-4) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, his longest outing in three starts since joining the rotation. He is 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA as a starter after going 0-4 with an 8.13 ERA out of the bullpen.

Montreal, which was outhit 10-6, extended a winning streak to three for the first time since June 19-22.

Dontrelle Willis (7-6), who hadn’t allowed a run his two previous starts against the Expos this season, extended his scoreless streak against Montreal to 17 2-3 innings and took a 2-0 lead into the sixth.

After Einar Diaz singled leading off, Henry Mateo hit a grounder to second baseman Luis Castillo, who booted the ball before throwing wildly past first for an error that put runners on first and second.

Chavez followed with a drive to left-center that tied the score, and he slid headfirst into third. Carroll then drove him with a fly to right that put Montreal ahead 3-2.

Willis allowed three runs – two earned – and three hits in six innings.

After reliever Josias Manzanillo loaded the bases by hitting Einar Diaz with one out in the seventh, pinch-hitter Nick Johnson hit an RBI single off Matt Perisho.

Chavez followed with a grounder back to Perisho, whose throw home was in time to force Juan Rivera. But Matt Treanor took his foot off the plate before he caught the ball and plate umpire Bill Welke called Rivera safe. the catcher was charged with an error.

Carroll followed with an RBI grounder, beating the relay to avoided what would have been an inning-ending double play.

Florida built its early lead on Jeff Conine’s RBI double in the second and Castillo’s sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Notes: Marlins RHP Josh Beckett is to pitch a simulated game Sunday. … The Expos signed LHP Bill Bray, their first-round pick in the amateur draft. Bray, chosen 13th overall, was 11-10 with 11 saves and a 3.28 ERA in three seasons with William & Mary. … A crowd of 7,229 was on hand as the Expos inducted Dennis Martinez, Bob Bailey, former coach Ron Piche and longtime French broadcaster Rodger Brulotte into the team’s hall of fame. … Juan Pierre had three hits.

AP-ES-07-24-04 2203EDT