Houston ? Nomar Garciaparra hit a go-ahead grand slam off Brad Lidge in the ninth inning for his first RBIs with the Dodgers, sending Los Angeles to a 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday.

Andy Pettitte held the Dodgers hitless for 61â3 innings until J.D. Drew homered to tie the score at 1. Lance Berkman’s eighth-inning shot off winner Takashi Saito (2-0) put Houston ahead again, but Lidge (0-1) couldn’t hold the lead.

After Kenny Lofton tripled with one out, the All-Star closer walked Drew and Jeff Kent. Garciaparra then drove a 2-2 pitch to left-center for his sixth career slam and first since June 22, 2004, with Boston against Minnesota.

Garciaparra was playing in only his second game since missing the first 17 because of a strained muscle in his rib cage.

Cardinals 7, Pirates 2

St. Louis – Albert Pujols hit his major-league-leading 12th home run, and Chris Carpenter beat Pittsburgh for the sixth straight time.

Cubs 6, Marlins 3

Chicago – Jacque Jones hit a three-run homer to cap a six-run eighth, and the Cubs rallied against Florida’s bullpen.

Brewers 3, Braves 2

Milwaukee – Chris Capuano (3-2) pitched seven strong innings, and Corey Koskie homered for the Brewers.

Reds 4, Nationals 2

Washington – Elizardo Ramirez pitched effectively into the eighth for his first major-league win, and Cincinnati rode early offense.

Phillies 6, Rockies 5

Philadelphia – Cory Lidle (2-2) struck out 10, and Bobby Abreu drove in three runs to lead the Phillies.

Diamondbacks 4, Padres 1

San Diego – Brandon Webb (3-0) pitched neatly into the ninth, and Johnny Estrada hit a two-run double for Arizona.

Giants 6, Mets 2

San Francisco – Moises Alou homered and drove in five runs, leading San Francisco. Matt Cain (1-2) carried a perfect game into the sixth.