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MIAMI — Josh Johnson pitched 6 2-3 innings for his first victory in almost two years, and the Florida Marlins tightened the NL East race by beating the New York Mets 7-5 on Wednesday night.
Jeremy Hermida and Cody Ross both tripled in a five-run fourth inning against Mike Pelfrey (9-7), who lost for the first time in his past eight decisions.
The loss knocked the Mets out of first place in the division. Philadelphia moved into first, one-half game in front of New York and 1 1/2 ahead of the Marlins.
Johnson (1-0) allowed eight hits and four runs in his fourth start since returning from reconstructive elbow surgery in August 2007.
Johnson, who doubled home a run, last won on Aug. 28, 2006. The Marlins improved to 4-0 in his starts this year.
Rockies 7, Pirates 4
PITTSBURGH — Aaron Cook tied Arizona’s Brandon Webb for the National League lead in victories, Troy Tulowitzki kept up his torrid pace with three more hits and Colorado avoided a sweep with a win over Pittsburgh.
Chris Iannetta hit a 3-run home run and Garrett Atkins, Matt Holliday and Willy Taveras had two hits each for Colorado, which improved to 10-3 since the All-Star break.
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 for its fourth victory in a row.
Shane Victorino provided three hits, three RBIs and three runs, including a solo homer, helping Jamie Moyer (10-6) win his third straight decision.
It was the 45-year-old Moyer’s 240th career victory, tying him with Frank Tanana for 12th place among left-handers in major league history.
Cardinals 7, Braves 2
ATLANTA — Chris Carpenter pitched four solid innings in his first start since April 2007 and St. Louis best slumping Atlanta.
Albert Pujols drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh for the Cardinals and Joe Mather put the game out of reach with a two-run homer in the eighth.
Cubs 7, Brewers 2
MILWAUKEE — Ryan Dempster pitched seven superb innings, Ryan Theriot tripled to break open a close game and the Cubs once again beat Milwaukee.
The Cubs will try for a four-game sweep today. After arriving at Miller Park this week with a tenuous one-game edge over Milwaukee in the NL Central, Chicago now leads the Brewers and St. Louis by four games.
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.