Associated Press
The National League roundup …
CINCINNATI ó Chase Utley homered and drove in four runs, and the Philadelphia Phillies’ powerful offense overcame another disappointing performance by a starter on Thursday in a 12-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
Utley had a two-run single and a double off Micah Owings (3-5), who got nine outs and showed the strain of throwing a lot of innings lately. Utley also had one of the Phillies’ four solo homers ó Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez connected, as well.
Jimmy Rollins had four hits, scored twice and drove in a run as he and Utley ó the top two batters in the order ó led the NL’s highest-scoring offense.
Cardinals 3, Cubs 1
ST. LOUI ó Adam Wainwright came within an out of the St. Louis Cardinals’ second complete game during a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs and Albert Pujols hit a first-inning homer that knocked out the “I” on the Big Mac Land sign in left field.
Wainwright (4-2) allowed five hits in 8 2-3 innings, striking out seven with one walk before Ryan Franklin got Milton Bradley to line out with a man on for his 11th save in 12 chances. The Cubs were limited to two runs in the series and have lost four in a row for the second time this season, and also have dropped five of six to the Cardinals.
Brewers 4, Astros 3
HOUSTON ó Prince Fielder drove in two with a single and Corey Hart had an RBI double in a three-run seventh, and the Brewers rallied for a win over the Astros.
Hunter Pence and Miguel Tejada homered for the Astros, who blew a 3-0 lead after manager Cecil Cooper and first baseman Lance Berkman were ejected for arguing a close call at home plate.
Fielder tied the game with his hit against Houston reliever Tim Byrdak and Hart’s hit off Chris Sampson gave Milwaukee its first lead.
Nationals 5, Pirates 4
WASHINGTON ó Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn had RBI singles in the eighth inning, helping the Nationals end a seven-game skid with a come-from-behind victory over the Pirates.
Cristian Guzman started the decisive rally in the eighth with a one-out single off Tom Gorzelanny (1-1) and moved to second on Nick Johnson’s single to center. Zimmerman followed with a tying single to right, the 39th straight game he has reached base safely. Dunn put Washington ahead with the fourth straight single of the inning.
Adam LaRoche homered for the Pirates, who had won five straight.
Rockies 9, Braves 0
ATLANTA ó Aaron Cook pitched a four-hit shutout and Todd Helton’s grand slam ended Colorado’s power slump as the Rockies spoiled Kris Medlen’s debut with a win over Atlanta.
Jeff Francoeur, who had two of the hits against Cook, singled with two outs in the fourth. It was the last Braves player to reach base against Cook.
Diamondbacks 4, Marlins 3
MIAMI ó Mark Reynolds hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Diamondbacks took advantage of the Marlins’ weary bullpen to rally for a victory.