New York ? J.J. Hardy, Ben Sheets and the Milwaukee Brewers showed they can beat one of the best teams in the National League.

Hardy hit a grand slam, and Tony Gwynn Jr. played a fantastic all-around game to back a solid pitching performance by Sheets and lead Milwaukee past the sloppy New York Mets, 12-3, on Saturday.

Bill Hall added three hits, Gwynn scored three times from the leadoff spot, and the Brewers got two key runs on a sacrifice fly that turned into a messy double play for the Mets. Milwaukee has won 11 of 13 and 18 of 23 to improve baseball’s best record to 25-11.

Some think the unheralded Brewers (16-5 at home) have fattened up on a soft schedule in the weak NL Central. But after a 5-4 loss in the series opener that snapped a six-game winning streak, Milwaukee overwhelmed the defending NL East champs with 16 hits and aggressive base-running.

Sheets (3-2) yielded three runs and four hits in six innings.

Pinch-hitter David Newhan homered for the Mets (22-13), who had won three straight and seven of nine. New York left fielder Moises Alou came out in the seventh due to a pulled left quadriceps. He is day to day.

Mike Pelfrey (0-5) allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings.

Phillies 11, Cubs 7

Philadelphia – Greg Dobbs was 4-for-4, including a go-ahead two-run triple in the seventh inning for the Phillies.

Cardinals 5, Padres 0

San Diego – Braden Looper pitched seven strong innings, and So Taguchi hit a three-run double to lead St. Louis. Looper, the former reliever making his eighth career start, allowed just one runner to reach third base.

Dodgers 7, Reds 3

Los Angeles – Brad Penny allowed four hits over 61â3 innings to remain unbeaten. Penny (5-0) struck out four and retired 17 consecutive batters.

Rockies 6, Giants 2

Denver – Matt Holliday homered twice on Bary Zito’s curveball, and Jeff Francis allowed just four hits over eight innings.

Astros 10, Diamondbacks 4

Houston – Luke Scott hit a three-run homer, and Hunter Pence finished with three RBIs. Pence hit a solo homer and a two-run double, and Mike Lamb and Carlos Lee also had solo drives for the Astros.

Braves 9, Pirates 2

Pittsburgh – Atlanta’s Chuck James held Pittsburgh hitless until Jason Bay singled in the seventh, and Scott Thorman homered twice.