Hernandez Helps Padres Win, 7-5

Ramon Hernandez capped a six-run fifth inning with a two-run single in his first game back from the disabled list, and the San Diego Padres beat the Houston Astros, 7-5, Thursday night at Houston to end a three-game losing streak.

Hernandez, who had been out with a sprained left wrist, played for the first time since June 18.

Woody Williams gave up two runs and five hits in five innings for his third win in a row. Williams (5-5), who spent 34 days on the disabled list because of a strained left oblique, was lifted after throwing 102 pitches.

Trevor Hoffman pitched the ninth for his 24th save in 26 chances. The Padres, who lead the West Division, have dropped nine of their last 15.

Atlanta 6-9, Chicago 0-4 -- Andruw Jones hit his major league-leading 27th home run and prized rookie Jeff Francoeur hit a three-run shot during a six-run eighth inning as the host Braves swept a doubleheader and extended the Cubs’ worst losing streak in three years. Chicago’s eight-game slide is its worst since dropping nine in a row from May 8-18, 2002. Horacio Ramirez (8-5) won the opener with his first shutout.

New York 3, Washington 2 -- Mike Piazza drove in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning with his third hit and the Mets handed the Nationals their first series loss at home since April. The Mets also ended the Nationals’ 12-game winning streak in one-run games.

Florida 11, Milwaukee 3 -- Carlos Delgado hit a pinch-hit grand slam to cap a six-run fifth inning and give the Marlins a split of the four-game series at Miami. Delgado’s slam came off reliever Ricky Bottalico three batters after play resumed following a 41-minute rain delay.

Pittsburgh 2, Philadelphia 1 -- Rookie left-hander Zach Duke pitched seven shutout innings for his first major league victory and Humberto Cota hit a two-run homer, giving the Pirates a split of the four-game series at Pittsburgh. Duke gave up five extra-base hits among the six he yielded, but repeatedly got big outs and stranded seven runners.

San Francisco 5, Cincinnati 1 -- Mike Matheny hit a three-run homer and an RBI double to help the Giants beat the Reds at San Francisco. Matheny connected for his ninth homer on a 3-2 pitch in the fifth, a shot into the left-field seats that established a career high for home runs in a season.

Arizona 2, St. Louis 1 -- Luis Gonzalez led off the ninth inning with a home run off Ray King (2-2), and the Diamondbacks salvaged the finale of a four-game series. The Diamondbacks also ended a six-game home losing streak.