Chicago ? Reliever-turned-starter Braden Looper allowed five hits in seven innings, and Preston Wilson hit a long two-run homer in the seventh Friday as the St. Louis Cardinals snapped a four-game losing streak by beating the Chicago Cubs, 2-1.

In just his fourth major league start, Looper (3-1) outdueled Ted Lilly (1-2) in the start of a series featuring a marquee managerial matchup between Lou Piniella and Tony La Russa. Jason Isringhausen pitched the ninth for his fourth save in as many chances.

Isringhausen was helped when pinch-runner Ronny Cedeno was called out at second on a bizarre play for the second out. With Cedeno running, a 3-2 pitch to Jacque Jones was called a ball but Yadier Molina threw to second and shortstop David Eckstein tagged Jones when he overslid the bag.

Eckstein and LaRussa both argued Jones should be out, and after conferring, the umpires agreed. Matt Murton then popped out to end the game.

Lilly (1-2) shut the defending World Series champs out on three hits for 61â3 innings. But after he walked Jim Edmonds with one out in the seventh, Wilson followed with his first homer, a line drive that cleared the left field bleachers for a 2-1 lead.

Braves 7, Mets 3

New York – Tim Hudson was stingy over eight sharp innings, and Chipper Jones hit a two-run homer to help Atlanta beat New York.

Giants 4, Diamondbacks 2

San Francisco – Barry Bonds went 2-for-4 with a single and double for his second multihit game of the year. The slugger also scored twice. Omar Vizquel singled in the seventh for his 2,480th hit.

Padres 11, Rockies 1

Denver – Adrian Gonzalez homered and matched his career-high with four RBIs and Chris Young (2-1) continued his mastery of Colorado.

Nationals 6, Marlins 5 (14)

Miami – Chris Snelling singled off first baseman Mike Jacobs’ glove to score Ryan Church from second in the 14th inning. Jesus Colome (2-0) picked up the win for the Nationals with three scoreless innings.

Astros 6, Brewers 5

Milwaukee – Craig Biggio hit his first grand slam in 13 years with one out in the ninth, and Houston beat Milwaukee to extend its winning streak to five.

Reds 2, Phillies 1 (10)

Cincinnati – Scott Hatteberg hit a two-out, solo homer that tied it in the ninth, and Brandon Phillips singled with the bases loaded in the 10th inning. One out away from closing out a combined one-hitter, Tom Gordon (0-1) gave up Hatteberg’s homer on a belt-high, 3-1 pitch.