Chicago — Montreal manager Frank Robinson isn't surprised at all with the dominating pitching he's seen from his team the past two days.
Tony Armas Jr. struck out a career-high 11 batters in seven scoreless innings, helping the Expos beat the Chicago Cubs, 7-1, Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.
Armas followed up Javier Vazquez's 14-strikeout performance in a 3-0 loss Wednesday. Montreal had 29 strikeouts in all the past two games, a franchise record.
"It's good to see it but that's what I expected," Robinson said. "I expected our pitching staff to be much improved over last season. Hopefully, we can continue it."
Armas (2-1) gave up a leadoff single to Mark Grudzielanek, walked Sammy Sosa two batters later and then retired the next 11. He gave up just two more hits and didn't allow another runner past first base.
"I've worked more this year mechanic-wise with our pitching coach and I think that's really helping me a lot," Armas said. "I feel like I can throw more strikes than I used to."
Robinson said one of the keys for Armas was he makes quality pitches when he gets behind in the count, which he attributed to the pitcher maturing.
"You can just see it out there. He's really matured from the first half of last year as a pitcher and as a person," Robinson said of the 24-year-old. "They go hand-in-hand."
Cubs manager Dusty Baker was impressed by Armas and the 26-year-old Vazquez.
"Those guys are strikeout pitchers and they're getting better. They're both young," Baker said.
Vladimir Guerrero homered and drove in three runs for the Expos.
Shawn Estes (0-1) had his second straight rough outing. The Expos scored four runs in the first on three hits. The Cubs provided most of the help with three errors, including two by Estes.
Pirates 3, Brewers 1
Pittsburgh -- Randall Simon hit a three-run homer in the first inning to support former Kansas City Royal Jeff Suppan (2-0), leading the Pirates past Milwaukee. The Brewers lost their seventh in nine games, even though starter Ben Sheets (0-2) didn't allow any scoring after the first.
Rockies 7, Cardinals 6
Denver -- Todd Helton hit a solo homer, and Jose Hernandez added a two-run shot off Steve Kline (0-1) in the eighth inning as Colorado rallied to beat St. Louis. The Rockies also turned the first triple play in their history as they won for the sixth time in seven games. Javier Lopez (1-0) got two outs for his first career win.
Marlins 4, Mets 3
Miami -- Juan Pierre drove in two runs with a two-out single off Armando Benitez (0-2) in the bottom of the ninth, and Florida scored four times in the final two innings to beat New York. Tim Spooneybarger (1-0) pitched a perfect ninth for his first win with Florida.
Braves 6, Phillies 2
Philadelphia -- Andruw Jones and Robert Fick both homered as Atlanta bounced back from a lopsided defeat to beat Philadelphia.
Darren Holmes (1-0) got the win in relief, giving up one walk in one inning. Joe Roa (0-2) took the loss.
Astros 4, Reds 2
Houston -- Jeriome Robertson (1-1) pitched seven strong innings for his first career victory, and Craig Biggio set the NL record with his 31st leadoff home run. Biggio led off the game with a homer off Danny Graves (0-2).
Giants 2, Dodgers 1
San Francisco -- Rookie Kurt Ainsworth (2-0) pitched shutout ball into the ninth inning, helping the Giants match their best start in franchise history with their ninth win in 10 games.
Hideo Nomo (1-2) allowed eight hits over seven solid innings, but fell to 8-1 in San Francisco since beginning his major league career at Candlestick Park on May 2, 1995.
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