Miami ? The Chicago Cubs snapped the NL’s longest losing streak, and they did it against a pitcher tied for the major-league lead in wins – Dontrelle Willis.

Jeromy Burnitz homered and drove in three runs, Matt Murton had two hits in his big-league debut, and the Cubs ended an eight-game skid by beating Willis and the Florida Marlins, 9-6, Friday night.

Chicago manager Dusty Baker said the handshakes exchanged on the field after the victory were something to savor.

“When you’re winning and you go out there after the game, it feels like Little League stuff,” Baker said. “And when you don’t do it for a long time, it feels like the World Series. It was a big win for us.”

Willis (13-4) was bidding to become baseball’s first 14-game winner. Instead, he struggled through his shortest outing this season, allowing a career-high eight runs, all earned, in 41â3 innings. His earned-run average rose from 1.89 to 2.39.

“My location wasn’t there,” Willis said. “I was just missing, and they took advantage.”

Carlos Zambrano (6-4) gave up six hits and six walks, but allowed only three runs in seven innings.

“My sinker was moving a lot, more than normal,” he said. “I was a little uncomfortable, but fortunately we won the game and got out of the streak.”

Ryan Dempster gave up a single and hit a batter in the ninth before earning his 13th save in 14 chances.

Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, right, congratulates Jeromy Burnitz on his two-run home run in the third inning against Florida. The Cubs won, 9-6, Friday in Miami.

Burnitz helped Chicago build an 8-1 lead with a two-run homer in the third aided by a 20-mph wind – the fringe effects of Hurricane Dennis.

“Today I thought every ball in the air had a chance,” Willis said.

Braves 2, Brewers 1

Atlanta – Pinch-hitter Ryan Langerhans’ bases-loaded single with one out in the ninth inning scored the winning run, and Atlanta earned its sixth straight victory. Former closer Dan Kolb (2-5) pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the win.

Pirates 6, Mets 5, 10 inn.

Pittsburgh – Humberto Cota finished off Pittsburgh’s frantic rally with a game-winning single in the 10th.

Nationals 8, Phillies 7

Philadelphia – Carlos Baerga hit a three-run homer, and Matt Cepicky drove in three runs for Washington.

Astros 3, Dodgers 2

Houston – Roger Clemens allowed two runs in seven strong innings, but didn’t get a decision as Houston beat Los Angeles on Morgan Ensberg’s run-scoring double in the ninth.

Padres 12, Rockies 2

Denver – Ryan Klesko hit his ninth career grand slam as part of a six-run sixth inning, a drive off Byung-Hyun Kim.

Reds 4, Diamondbacks 3

Phoenix – Ken Griffey Jr. hit a game-tying, three-run homer in the eighth, and Rich Aurilia singled in the go-ahead run in the ninth to rally Cincinnati.

Cardinals 3, Giants 1

San Francisco – Mark Mulder pitched seven shutout innings in a triumphant return to the Bay Area, and St. Louis earned its fifth victory in six games. Mulder (10-5), pitching back in the area for the first time since Oakland traded him in December, allowed four hits.