Alou’s Three Homers Not Enough for Cubs

Moises Alou hit three homers and tied a career best with five RBIs, but the Chicago Cubs lost for the eighth time in 10 games, falling to the St. Louis Cardinals, 11-8, Friday at Wrigley Field

Jim Edmonds and Albert Pujols hit consecutive homers in the first inning, and Tino Martinez drove in four runs for St. Louis.

The win gave the Cardinals a two-game lead over the Cubs in the National League Central.

New York 7, Cincinnati 2 -- At Cincinnati, Tom Glavine (6-8) pitched seven strong innings -- yielding only four hits and one run -- for his first victory since May 18.

Pittsburgh 3, Houston 2 -- At Pittsburgh, Reggie Sanders homered to left with one out in the eighth inning to give the Pirates the victory at Pittsburgh.

Colorado 8, Milwaukee 6 -- Jay Payton and Juan Uribe drew bases-loaded walks from Leo Estrella (2-1) in the eighth inning as the Rockies won at Milwaukee.

Florida 2, Philadelphia 1 -- Derrek Lee hit a tie-breaking single off Jose Mesa (3-5) with two outs in the ninth inning at Philadelphia.

Atlanta 8, Montreal 6 -- At Atlanta, Russ Ortiz (11-4) won his fourth consecutive start to move into a tie with Colorado’s Shawn Chacon for the most victories in the league.