Associated Press
The National League roundup …PHILADELPHIA ó Cole Hamels pitched 62/3 effective innings, a new-look bullpen got the last seven outs and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the New York Mets 4-2 Friday night.
Jimmy Rollins and Pedro Feliz had RBI singles and Shane Victorino hit a career-high three doubles for the NL East-leading Phillies, who entered with a five-game lead over Florida.
Hamels (9-9) allowed one run and seven hits, striking out six. Last year’s World Series and NLCS MVP, Hamels has pitched well in his last three starts after an up-and-down season.
Braves 1, Cardinals 0
ST. LOUIS ó Jair Jurrjens worked eight scoreless innings, overcoming another light offensive showing behind him in the Braves’ victory over the Cardinals.
Albert Pujols had a forgettable game for St. Louis, committing two fielding errors at first base while going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts and no balls out of the infield against the 23-year-old right-hander. The NL Central leaders lost for the first time in 17 games on a day when the second-place Cubs also won, shaving their formidable lead to 101/2 games.
Jurrjens (11-10) allowed six hits while striking out seven with one walk, matching his career best for innings and helping end Joel Pineiro’s eight-game winning streak dating to July 3. The Cardinals were 3 for 10 with runners in scoring position against Jurrjens, yet came up empty.
Astros 9, Pirates 1
HOUSTON ó Carlos Lee hit a three-run homer, Lance Berkman added a solo shot and the Astros won..
Kaz Matsui drove in two runs and Bud Norris struck out seven in six innings for the Astros, who’ve won 11 of their last 15 home games.
Norris (5-3) allowed six hits and won for the second straight time after three consecutive losses.
Andy LaRoche hit a solo homer for the Pirates, who’ve lost 12 straight road games and 13 of 14 overall.
Lee’s 24th homer capped a six-run seventh for Houston.
Cubs 6, Reds 4
CHICAGO ó Geovany Soto homered for the first time since July 10, and the Cubs beat the Reds for their first four-game winning streak in nearly two months.
Nationals 5, Marlins 3MIAMI ó Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman homered and the Washington Nationals won in Miami for the first time this year, beating the Marlins.
Pinch-hitter Mike Morse broke a tie in the sixth inning with a two-out, two-run double for the Nationals.