Cincinnati ? Jonathan Sanchez won his first major league start, and Ray Durham homered twice as the San Francisco Giants beat Cincinnati, 3-2, Wednesday and moved past the Reds in the NL wild-card race.

Sanchez (3-0), who had made 22 relief appearances, allowed one run and two hits in 52â3 innings, striking out seven and walking two. Mike Stanton pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh save in nine chances, completing a six-hitter.

Cincinnati and San Francisco began the day 31â2 games behind San Diego, the NL wild-card leader, with Philadelphia and Florida also in front of them. The Reds lost for the 10th time in 12 games – all against NL West teams.

Astros 5, Phillies 3

Philadelphia – Lance Berkman’s bases-clearing double with two outs in the ninth inning gave Houston a victory over Philadelphia. Andy Pettitte allowed two runs and seven hits in 61â3 innings for Houston.

Dodgers 2, Brewers 1

Milwaukee – Derek Lowe allowed three hits and an unearned run in eight innings to help Los Angeles stop a three-game losing streak.

Cubs 7, Pirates 2

Chicago – Derrek Lee hit a grand slam on his 31st birthday, leading Chicago over Pittsburgh.

Nationals 7, Cardinals 6

Washington – Jose Vidro ended a game of comebacks, lining a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead Washington past St. Louis. Washington led 5-4 before Preston Wilson’s two-run, upper-deck homer in the top of the ninth off Chad Cordero (7-4).

Mets 4-8, Braves 1-0

New York – Shawn Green busted out of his slump with a huge day at the plate, Oliver Perez pitched his second career shutout for his first win since May, and New York completed a doubleheader sweep with an 8-0 rout. Carlos Delgado hit a tiebreaking homer in the opener.

Padres 2, Rockies 0, 11 inn.

San Diego – Rookie Paul McAnulty hit his first career homer, a two-run shot with one out in the 11th inning, and San Diego remained within one game of the NL West lead.

American League

White Sox 8, Red Sox 1

Boston – Jose Contreras pitched eight strong innings, and Jim Thome went 4-for-4 with his 39th homer to carry Chicago.

Mariners 5, Tigers 4, 10 inn.

Detroit – Kenji Johjima’s RBI single in the 10th inning put Seattle ahead, and J.J. Putz held the lead.

Athletics 9, Rangers 6

Oakland, Calif. – Mark Kotsay hit a go-ahead three-run double and matched his career high with four RBIs, Frank Thomas homered for the second straight day, and Oakland overcame a 4-0 deficit to avoid a three-game sweep.

Angels 8, Orioles 4

Anaheim, Calif. – Chone Figgins drove in the go-ahead run with a sixth-inning double off Chris Britton (0-2), and Los Angeles completed a three-game sweep that extended its winning streak to five.

Blue Jays 3, Indians 2

Toronto – Ted Lilly (12-12) matched his career high in victories, working six solid innings, and Russ Adams drove in two runs as Toronto beat Cleveland.

Devil Rays 4, Twins 2

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Greg Norton and Ty Wigginton hit consecutive homers in the seventh inning.