Mets 3, Braves 2

New York – David Wright hit a two-run homer, and Oliver Perez tossed another gem against Atlanta, leading New York on Monday night.

Perez outpitched an effective Tim Hudson, who used his sinker to induce a steady stream of easy grounders.

But slumping leadoff batter Jose Reyes scampered around the bases twice, and Wright delivered the big blow, sending New York to its fourth straight win.

The Braves, who began the day fifth in the NL wild-card race, fell five games behind front-running San Diego.

Pirates 9, Brewers 0

Pittsburgh – Tony Armas pitched six sharp innings a day after Milwaukee hit six home runs, and Nate McLouth’s two-run homer carried the Pirates. Armas and relievers Franquelis Osoria and Romulo Sanchez combined on the four-hitter.

Nationals 5, Marlins 4

Miami – Wily Mo Pena homered twice, and Shawn Hill pitched six solid innings, leading the Nationals over the Marlins. Dan Uggla and Mike Jacobs homered for Florida, which has lost three in a row.

Cubs 12, Cardinals 3

Chicago – Aramis Ramirez homered twice and had four hits to help Ted Lilly earn his 15th victory, as the Cubs won for just the third time in eight games.

Phillies 6, Rockies 5, 10 innings

Philadelphia – Ryan Howard doubled home the winning run in the 10th after Pat Burrell tied the game with a dramatic homer in the seventh, leading the Phillies in a game featuring wild-card contenders.

Chase Utley led off the 10th with a single off Taylor Buchholz (6-5), the seventh pitcher for Colorado.

After Burrell struck out, Howard lined a double to left, and the speedy Utley hustled all the way around for the winning run.

Diamondbacks 5, Giants 3

San Francisco – Pinch-hitter Jeff Salazar hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the ninth inning, sending the Diamondbacks to their sixth straight victory.