Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA ó Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Raul Ibanez all hit two-run home runs to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
Joe Blanton (7-4) had another effective outing, allowing two runs and he struck out six over eight innings. Blanton has allowed two runs or less and pitched at least seven innings in five of his last six starts for the NL East leaders.
Howard had three RBIs to lift the Phillies to their 17th win in 20 games.
Cubs 5, Reds 2
CHICAGO ó Rich Harden pitched six stellar innings to win a day game at Wrigley Field for the first time since last August and the Cubs moved into first place with a victory over the Reds.
The Cubs have won 10 of their last 13 games to move a half-game ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central, their first appearance in the top spot since April 21.
Mets 8, Astros 3
HOUSTON ó Livan Hernandez struck out a season-high seven after a rough start, and the New York Mets put together another well-balanced offensive performance in a win over the Astros.
Luis Castillo, Jeff Francoeur and David Wright drove in two runs apiece for the Mets.
Nationals 3, Padres 2 (10)
WASHINGTON ó Austin Kearns drove in the winning run with a two-out, 10th-inning single, and the Nationals beat the Padres.
Rockies 4, Giants 2
DENVER ó Aaron Cook pitched seven sharp innings to win his seventh straight decision and Seth Smith scored two runs, leading the Rockies to a win over the Giants.
Diamondbacks 9, Pirates 0
PHOENIX ó Mark Reynolds and Gerardo Parra each hit two-run homers, Parra finished with four RBIS and the Diamondbacks made it easy for right-hander Max Scherzer in a victory over the Pirates.
Marlins 8, Dodgers 6
LOS ANGELES ó Dan Uggla homered and NL batting leader Hanley Ramirez drove in three runs, leading Florida to a victory over the Dodgers and helping the Marlins win their third straight series at Chavez Ravine.
American League
ANAHEIM, Calif. ó Justin Morneau hit two homers, rookie Anthony Swarzak shut down a potent lineup pitching into the seventh inning, and the Minnesota Twins ended the Los Angeles Angels’ eight-game winning streak with a 10-1 victory Sunday.
Rangers 7, Royals 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. ó Dustin Nippert allowed one hit in a stellar job of relief pitching, and the Rangers scored seven times off the Kansas City bullpen.
Orioles 6, Red Sox 2
BOSTON ó Nick Markakis homered and drove in three runs off a struggling John Smoltz, and the Orioles snapped an 11-game losing streak at Fenway Park.
Yankees 7, Athletics 5
NEW YORK ó Derek Jeter hit a go-ahead single, Mariano Rivera earned a four-out save and the Yankees capped a stellar homestand in which they grabbed the AL East.
Robinson Cano had an early three-run double and the Yankees got a strong effort from the bullpen, as they wrapped up a 9-1 start to the second half.
Blue Jays 5, Rays 1
TORONTO ó Scott Rolen hit a three-run homer and the Blue Jays handed Rays rookie Jeff Niemann his first loss in his last six decisions.
Indians 12, Mariners 3
SEATTLE ó Grady Sizemore hit the 20th leadoff homer of his career, and Jhonny Peralta hit his second career grand slam.
White Sox 5, Tigers 1
DETROIT ó Paul Konerko hit a two-run homer in Chicago’s four-run first, Gordon Beckham added a solo home run the next inning.