Washington Nationals pitcher Jason Bergmann delivers against the Atlanta Braves in the top of the third inning. Bergmann took a no-hitter into the eighth inning and ended up earning the win, a 2-1 triumph over Atlanta on Monday in Washington.

Washington ? Jason Bergmann was so focused that he almost forgot he had to hit.

Bergmann took a bid for a no-hitter into the eighth inning and got his first major-league win as a starter, leading the Washington Nationals over the Atlanta Braves, 2-1, Monday night.

Bergmann cruised through the first seven innings, but Brian McCann hit a leadoff homer in the eighth. The right-hander responded by retiring the next three to get out of the inning.

Bergmann was so focused that he forgot to go to the on-deck circle in the seventh inning after Braves pitcher John Smoltz hurt his pitching hand making a tag in a rundown. Manager Manny Acta had to remind him about his hitting responsibilities.

Bergmann came out for the ninth inning and departed after pinch-hitter Matt Diaz singled. Jesus Colome got two outs before Edgar Renteria singled to bring up Andruw Jones, who struck out.

Bergmann (1-3) struck out 10 and walked one to get his first win since Sept. 15, 2005, and first in 15 major-league starts. He’s holding opponents to a .162 batting average.

“I really thought he was going to do it,” Acta said of the no-hitter. “He was spectacular.”

Smoltz, who turns 40 today, pitched well before he dislocated his right pinky finger tagging Austin Kearns in the bottom of the seventh.

X-rays were negative.

“It was just fluky,” Smoltz said. “I don’t know how it happened. It happened so fast, and the next thing I know, I’m looking at my hand going, ‘Oh no’ – and I’m coming off the field.”

Pirates 7, Marlins 0

Pittsburgh – Kansas University product Tom Gorzelanny limited slumping Florida to five singles over seven shutout innings, outpitching Dontrelle Willis.

The Marlins began the game leading the NL with 136 extra-base hits, but didn’t have one against Gorzelanny, now 5-2 on the season.

Phillies 8, Brewers 6

Philadelphia – Pinch-hitter Wes Helms hit a tiebreaking single during a six-run eighth inning to rally Philadelphia over Milwaukee.

Pat Burrell hit a two-run homer, Chase Utley had a key two-run single, and the Phillies won for the fourth time in five games. They’re 14-9 since a dreadful 4-11 start in the month of April.

Mets 5, Cubs 4

New York – Chicago’s Michael Wuertz walked three straight batters in the bottom of the ninth inning, forcing home the winning run.

Slumping slugger Carlos Delgado drew the game-ending walk on a 3-2 pitch that was high, and David Wright hit a two-run homer to help New York win for the fifth time in six games.

Padres 7, Reds 1

San Diego – Greg Maddux pitched a five-hitter for his first complete game in two years, and the Padres handed Cincinnati its fourth straight loss.

Maddux retired the first 16 batters he faced, struck out five and walked none in his 109th career complete game. He needed only 96 pitches to complete the gem.

Mike Cameron and Josh Bard each had two hits and two RBIs for San Diego, which led 7-0 after five innings.

Maddux (3-2) carried a three-hit shutout into the ninth, but Ken Griffey Jr. hit a sacrifice fly with one out. Maddux struck out Brandon Phillips to finish off his first complete game since Sept. 27, 2005, for the Chicago Cubs.

Cardinals 8, Dodgers 4

Los Angeles – David Eckstein had three hits, Chris Duncan hit St. Louis’ first homer since May 1, and the Cardinals beat Los Angeles for their 10th straight victory over the Dodgers going back to 2005.

The Cardinals had 10 hits and eight runs in the first three innings to make it easy for Brad Thompson in his third major-league start.