Friday’s N.L. games

Brewers 3, Cubs 2: Pinch-hitter Brooks Kieschnick singled in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning, and Milwaukee rallied to defeat host Chicago. Victor Santos (9-3) went six innings and won for the seventh time in his last eight decisions.

Pirates 6, Marlins 2: Kris Benson made another strong start as he apparently winds down his Pirates career, limiting Florida to two runs over 8 1/3 innings to lead host Pittsburgh to the victory. Benson (7-7) is being eyed by a half-dozen contending teams as the July 31 deadline for trades without waivers approaches.

Cardinals 7, Reds 5: Pinch-hitter Marlon Anderson hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, lifting visiting St. Louis over Cincinnati. Anderson homered off Danny Graves (1-4), the major leagues’ saves leader with 33.

Phillies 5, Mets 1: Jim Thome hit his major league-leading 29th home run, and Kevin Millwood pitched three-hit ball for seven innings to lead Philadelphia to a victory at New York.

Expos 5, Braves 1: Jose Vidro homered and had three hits, helping Montreal beat host Atlanta to knock the Braves out of first place. Montreal beat Atlanta for only the third time in 11 games this year.

Padres 5, Astros 1: Phil Garner opened his tenure as manager of the Houston Astros with a loss. Mark Loretta’s three-run double backed Jake Peavy, who sent Andy Pettitte to his second straight loss and led the San Diego to the win at Houston. Garner replaced Jimy Williams on Wednesday.

Rockies 7, Giants 1: Todd Greene hit two long homers and drove in four runs and Shawn Estes scattered seven hits over eight innings after a nearly 2 1/2 -hour rain delay, lifting Colorado over San Francisco in Denver.

Dodgers 6, Diamondbacks 2: Alex Cora drove in two runs with squeeze bunts, helping Los Angeles beat Arizona at Phoenix, for the Dodgers’ 11th win in 12 games.