NL | Cubs, Braves notch victories

NEW YORK - Aramis Ramirez hit a grand slam and Carlos Zambrano pitched eight sharp innings, sending the Chicago Cubs to a 10-1 rout of the New York Mets last night.

Cliff Floyd had three hits and an RBI in his first start at Shea Stadium since spending the previous four seasons with the Mets, and Chicago handed John Maine his first loss of the year.

Starting at first base because Derrek Lee is out with neck spasms, Daryle Ward hit a two-run double in the first.

Michael Barrett doubled twice and drove in two runs.

Ramirez's seventh career slam, off Scott Schoeneweis, broke it open in a six-run sixth.

Braves 6, Nationals 2

WASHINGTON - Edgar Renteria hit two home runs, Tim Hudson allowed three hits over seven innings, and Atlanta ended Washington's four-game winning streak.

Renteria went 3 for 5, homering in the first and seventh innings as the Braves snapped a two-game losing streak. Atlanta has won six of its last eight.

Marlins 9, Pirates 3

PITTSBURGH - Dan Uggla drove in four runs while hitting two of Florida's four homers, helping Sergio Mitre win for the first time in more than a year in a victory over Pittsburgh.

Jeremy Hermida hit a solo shot as the Marlins won for only the fifth time in their last 18 games in Pittsburgh.

D'backs 3, Rockies 0

DENVER - Randy Johnson allowed one hit over six innings and outdueled Jason Hirsh in Arizona's victory over Colorado on a cold, overcast night.

For the second straight start, Johnson (1-2) looked like the Big Unit who won five Cy Young awards. Johnson, who underwent back surgery last October, struck out nine and walked none in winning for the first time since his return to Arizona after two frustrating seasons with the New York Yankees.

Astros 6, Giants 5

HOUSTON - Carlos Lee hit a solo home run, his second of the game, in the 10th inning off Jonathan Sanchez to lift the Astros past San Francisco.

The Giants rallied from a 3-0 deficit to take a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the eighth, but Hunter Pence tied it with a two-run drive off Armando Benitez. Lee then won it with his ninth homer of the season.

Reds 2, Padres 1

SAN DIEGO - Ken Griffey Jr. hit a leadoff homer in the 12th inning and Cincinnati beat San Diego to snap a four-game losing streak.