Walker Is Key as Cubs Rout Reds

Todd Walker homered and drove in four runs, Carlos Zambrano won his fourth straight decision and the Chicago Cubs extended their lead in the NL wild-card race with a 12-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night at Chicago.

Walker was three for four, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning. Corey Patterson, Derrek Lee and Jose Macias also homered.

Zambrano (16-8) gave up one run in 6 1/3 innings to win his third consecutive start. He struck out seven and scattered five hits.

The win moved Chicago a game ahead of idle San Francisco.

Houston 10, St. Louis 3 -- At Houston, Roy Oswalt became the NL’s first 19-game winner, and the Astros remained 1 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card race.

St. Louis second baseman Tony Womack left in the seventh inning after being hit on the left arm by a pitch from Oswalt.

Pittsburgh 6, Philadelphia 1 -- Ty Wigginton hit a two-run homer and Oliver Perez pitched 6 2/3 strong innings at Philadelphia, helping the Pirates end a seven-game road losing streak and eliminating the Phillies from postseason contention.

Arizona 3, Milwaukee 1 -- Randy Johnson struck out 10 in seven innings at Phoenix to earn his 15th win and the Diamondbacks ended a six-game losing streak.

Florida 4, Montreal 1 -- Josh Beckett pitched seven strong innings and Miguel Cabrera hit his 31st homer to lead the Marlins at Montreal.

New York at Atlanta, ppd. -- The game involving the Mets and Braves was rained out because of the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne. It will be made up today as part of a doubleheader.