Rockies End Losing Streak

Jamey Wright pitched seven innings of four-hit ball to win for the first time in seven starts, and the Colorado Rockies ended an eight-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Giants on Wednesday night at San Francisco.

Clint Barmes had two hits, drove in a run and scored twice on a night the Rockies lived by the bloop single. Colorado had lost nine consecutive road games, one shy of the franchise record. This was the club’s first victory in eight games during its season-long 12-game trip.

Barry Bonds walked three times and had only one official at-bat, when he flied out to center in the seventh. The slugger stayed at 696 career home runs for the third straight day.

Tim Harikkala worked a perfect eighth and Shawn Chacon finished for his 31st save in 39 opportunities. Colorado pitchers retired their last 10 batters.

Chicago 2, Montreal 1 -- Nomar Garciaparra scored the go-ahead run on Claudio Vargas’ wild pitch in the 11th inning and Mark Grudzielanek had an RBI single to lead the Cubs at Montreal.

Kerry Wood rebounded from his worst outing of the season, striking out 11 and scattering five hits in eight innings for the Cubs.

Houston 9, Cincinnati 3 -- Lance Berkman hit a tiebreaking homer in the fifth inning, Jeff Kent capped a five-run seventh with a grand slam and the Astros extended their season-best winning streak to six with a victory at Cincinnati.

Roy Oswalt (16-9) improved to 10-0 in 14 career games against Cincinnati. He left after six innings because of sore ribs, giving up three runs and six hits.

St. Louis 4, San Diego 2 -- Chris Carpenter pitched seven innings of six-hit ball at St. Louis, and Albert Pujols homered for the third consecutive game to help the Cardinals win their fifth game in a row.

Larry Walker and Scott Rolen hit home runs in the first inning for the Cardinals, who have won 10 of 12 overall.

Florida 5, New York 4 -- Paul Lo Duca hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the sixth inning and Mike Lowell homered at New York to lead the Marlins to their sixth consecutive victory.

Ismael Valdez (12-7) won his third game in five starts for his 100th major league victory. Armando Benitez pitched a perfect ninth for his NL-leading 40th save in 43 opportunities.

Atlanta 7, Philadelphia 2 -- Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones each hit a solo homer at Philadelphia, and Jaret Wright pitched six strong innings to lead the Braves. Wright (14-6) won his third straight start and improved to 12-1 since May 27.

Pittsburgh 5, Milwaukee 2 -- Ty Wigginton’s two-out infield single drove home the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th at Milwaukee. Salomon Torres (7-4) picked up the win with a perfect ninth and Jose Mesa earned his 36th save in 41 chances.