National League roundup

[April 27, 2009]  PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks looked like a beaten team after eight innings.

Then Justin Upton hit a tying two-run homer in the ninth before Conor Jackson hit a bases-loaded single in the 12th to rally the Diamondbacks to a 5-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

The Diamondbacks came back after San Francisco took a 4-1 lead in the eighth on a three-run homer by Pablo Sandoval, who had a career-high four hits.

"We showed some grit," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. "It ended up being a good day."

As the Diamondbacks streamed out of their dugout and mobbed Jackson, it looked as if they had clinched a division title. In reality, they had salvaged the finale of a three-game series on a sunny, 83-degree afternoon.

They hope the dramatic victory will energize them after a disappointing 7-11 start -- including 6-9 at home.

"Baseball's just a vicious game," Jackson said. "You go through cycles. You're going to go through ups. You're going to go through downs. Hopefully, this will carry over some momentum."

Juan Gutierrez (1-1) pitched the 12th to earn the win for the Diamondbacks.

The winning rally began when former Diamondbacks reliever Brandon Medders (0-1) walked leadoff man Miguel Montero. After a sacrifice bunt, Medders walked Felipe Lopez intentionally and Augie Ojeda unintentionally to load the bases.

San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy summoned Justin Miller, who gave up a line drive single to Jackson to deep left field.

Arizona entered the ninth down 4-1 and facing Brian Wilson, who had three saves in his first three chances against the Diamondbacks.

Chad Tracy bounced an 0-2 pitch down the right-field line for a leadoff double, and Mark Reynolds singled to make it 4-2.

One out later, Upton hit a 3-1 pitch into the left field bleachers to tie it.

"I don't think you're ever looking for a home run," Upton said. "I was looking to extend the inning."

Wilson said he had trouble commanding his fastball but added that he wasn't tired.

"I don't make excuses," Wilson said. "Fatigue is not something that enters my body. I just wasn't able to locate."

Marlins Phillies 13, Marlins 2

At Miami, Shane Victorino drove in four runs and Jamie Moyer (3-1) pitched six solid innings as Philadelphia extended the Marlins' skid to six.

Florida, which began the season 11-1, is mired in its longest losing streak since an eight-game slide from Aug. 15-22, 2007. The Marlins' latest loss got so out of hand that outfielder Cody Ross pitched a scoreless ninth inning.

Graham Taylor (0-1) lasted just 3 2-3 innings in his major league debut for Florida.

Cubs 10, Cardinals 3

At St. Louis, Kosuke Fukudome hit a three-run homer and drove in five runs for the Cubs on his 32nd birthday.

Fukudome went 3-for-4 to hike his average to .371 after hitting .257 last season, and Rich Harden (2-1) struck out nine in six innings for the Cubs, who ended a four-game skid.

Todd Wellemeyer (1-2) was tagged for six runs, five earned, and eight hits in five innings for St. Louis.

Reds 8, Braves 2

At Cincinnati, Jay Bruce homered twice and drove in four runs, and Joey Votto had two doubles and three RBIs to help the Reds avoid a three-game sweep.

Micah Owings (1-2) earned his first win in nearly a year with seven strong innings.

Kenshin Kawakami (1-3) allowed eight runs and eight hits in 4 2-3 innings for Atlanta.

Astros 3, Brewers 2

At Houston, Ivan Rodriguez hit a tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning and the Astros snapped the Brewers' four-game winning streak.

Rodriguez helped Houston end a three-game skid with a full-count drive over the left-field wall off Manny Parra (0-4).

Russ Ortiz (2-0) pitched five innings and improved to 6-0 at Minute Maid Park. He allowed two runs and four hits. Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his second save.

Nationals 8, Mets 1

At New York, Jordan Zimmermann allowed one run and six hits in 5 1-3 innings and the Nationals earned their first road victory this season.

Jesus Flores homered and drove in three runs against his former club, and Austin Kearns also teed off on an ineffective Oliver Perez (1-2).

One of baseball's top prospects, the 22-year-old Zimmermann (2-0) struck out slumping slugger David Wright three times.

Rockies 10, Dodgers 4

At Denver, Ryan Spilborghs homered and drove in three runs for the Rockies and Jason Marquis (3-1) worked 7 1-3 innings and gave up three runs and six hits.

Clayton Kershaw (0-2) lasted only 4 2-3 innings, allowing nine runs and eight hits for the Dodgers.

Pirates 8, Padres 3

At San Diego, Ross Ohlendorf pitched into the eighth inning and Adam LaRoche hit two home runs to lead Pittsburgh.

Ohlendorf (2-2) gave up a long two-run homer to Adrian Gonzalez in the first inning before settling down. He allowed only two more hits over the next six innings before Edgar Gonzalez knocked him out of the game with a pinch-hit homer leading off the eighth.

LaRoche hit a three-run shot off Jake Peavy (2-3) that broke a 2-all tie in the fifth.

[Associated Press; By ANDREW BAGNATO]

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