Phillies 8, Nationals 7, 10 innings

Philadelphia – Jesus Colome walked Jayson Werth to force in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning, giving Philadelphia an 8-7 victory over Washington on Thursday.

The defending NL East champions overcame a 5-0, first-inning deficit to avoid opening the season with a three-game sweep at home for the third straight year.

Jimmy Rollins reached on an infield single to start the bottom of the 10th against Colome (0-1). The reigning NL MVP never hesitated rounding second base and advanced all the way to third on Shane Victorino’s perfect sacrifice.

After Chase Utley and Ryan Howard were intentionally walked to load the bases, Werth walked on four pitches to end it.

Reds 3, Diamondbacks 2

Cincinnati – Johnny Cueto allowed nothing more than Justin Upton’s solo homer in seven innings, striking out 10 in an overpowering debut.

Cardinals 3, Rockies 0

St. Louis – Brad Thompson had a career-high six strikeouts in 62â3 innings and added his first career RBI in St. Louis’ victory over Colorado. The Cardinals took two of three from the defending NL champions, who totaled five runs in the series.

Cubs 6, Brewers 3

Chicago – Former closer Ryan Dempster was a winner in his return to the rotation, Aramis Ramirez homered, and Alfonso Soriano had two RBIs.

Pirates 4, Braves 3, 10 innings

Atlanta – Xavier Nady drove in Nyjer Morgan with a 10th-inning single.

Padres 3, Astros 2

San Diego – Trevor Hoffman kept up his seesaw season when he earned the save in San Diego’s win against Houston. Hoffman pitched a perfect ninth.

Late Wednesday game

Giants 2, Dodgers 1

Los Angeles – Tim Lincecum made his season debut in relief and scored the go-ahead run on Randy Winn’s sacrifice fly.