Cardinals 7, Braves 2

Atlanta – Chris Carpenter pitched four solid innings in his first start since April 2007 for the Cardinals.

Carpenter, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2005, spent the past year recovering from ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow.

Rockies 7, Pirates 4

Pittsburgh – Aaron Cook tied Arizona’s Brandon Webb for the National League lead in victories with 14.

Phillies 8, Nationals 5

Washington – Chase Utley homered for the second consecutive game, providing the big blow in a five-run fifth inning, and Philadelphia beat Washington to move back atop the NL East with its fourth victory in a row.

Cubs 7, Brewers 2

Milwaukee – Ryan Dempster pitched seven superb innings, and Ryan Theriot tripled to break open a close game.

Reds 9, Astros 5

Houston – Adam Dunn homered twice, Ken Griffey Jr. added a three-run shot and Cincinnati snapped an eight-game skid against Houston.

Marlins 7, Mets 5

Miami – Josh Johnson pitched 62â3 innings for his first victory in almost two years.

Diamondbacks 7, Padres 3

San Diego – Dan Haren pitched seven solid innings for his third straight victory, and Chad Tracy and Mark Reynolds each drove in two runs for Arizona.

Dodgers 4, Giants 0

Los Angeles – Chad Billingsley pitched a five-hitter for his first career shutout, Matt Kemp scored twice, stole two bases and extended his hitting streak to 17 games, and Los Angeles moved above .500 for the first time since May 27.