National League

Nationals 8, Reds 5

Stephen Strasburg tamed the NL's top offense and Washington's offense finally came around behind Cristian Guzman's homer to beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-5 Wednesday night.

A day after he turned 22, Strasburg (5-2) pitched beyond his years again, passing one of his toughest tests.

The Reds lead the league in batting average, hits and RBI. They can manhandle pitchers at homer-friendly Great American Ball Park, where even a tiny mistake often ends up in the seats.

Strasburg struck out seven and gave up three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings, outdueling Bronson Arroyo (10-5), who had allowed only three runs in his last three starts, winning them all.

Astros 4, Cubs 3 (12)

Pinch-hitter Jason Michaels delivered a two-out, two-run double in the top of the 12th inning and the Houston Astros hung on to beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Wednesday.

Jeff Keppinger and Chris Johnson started the 12th with consecutive singles. After Jason Castro forced Keppinger at third with a bunt back to Bob Howry (1-3), James Russell relieved and Michael Bourn's grounder moved the runners to second and third.

Michaels greeted Jeff Stevens, the seventh Chicago reliever, with a drive into the alley in left-center. Angel Sanchez then singled in Michaels to make it 4-1.

Sanchez's third hit of the game proved to be important when Geovany Soto connected for a two-out, two-run homer off Gustavo Chacin in the bottom half, pulling the Cubs within one. Ryan Theriot then singled and pinch-hitter Jeff Baker walked before Tyler Colvin lined out to right, giving Chacin his first career save.

Pirates 15, Brewers 3

Pedro Alvarez hit two home runs for the second consecutive game for Pittsburgh, which has won four of five.

The Pirates' rookie hit a two-run homer to center in the fifth and a solo shot off the right-field pole in the eighth.

Delwyn Young had a home run and a career-high five RBIs to help Pittsburgh win for the fourth time in five games. On Tuesday, Alvarez had a grand slam and a solo homer in the Pirates' 11-9 win over Milwaukee.

George Kottaras homered for the Brewers, who had a starting pitcher allow more then 10 runs for the third time in four games.

Marlins 5, Rockies 2

Gaby Sanchez hit a three-run homer and Ricky Nolasco pitched eight innings for Florida.

Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu hit RBI doubles for the Marlins, who have won four of five.

Nolasco (10-7) allowed two runs and four hits while striking out eight as he reached 10 wins for the third straight season.

Leo Nunez struck out Brad Eldred to end the game with two runners on base for his 22nd save.

Seth Smith hit a two-run homer for Colorado in the eighth.

Late Tuesday

Diamondbacks 3, Mets 2

Barry Enright pitched eight effective innings and Arizona gave interim manager Kirk Gibson his first winning streak.

Enright (2-2) retired 14 straight hitters after escaping a tight spot in the first inning and struck out a career-high eight. He also had his first career RBI and Justin Upton hit his 16th homer off R.A. Dickey (6-4), giving Arizona consecutive wins for the first time since Gibson became manager on July 2.

New York's Josh Thole hit his first career homer off Enright in the eighth inning and Angel Pagan hit another solo shot off Juan Gutierrez in the ninth before the right-hander closed out his third save in five chances.

American League

Twins 6, Indians 0

Francisco Liriano worked out of trouble while throwing seven effective innings and Minnesota salvaged the final game of a frustrating series, snapping the Indians' six-game winning streak.

Liriano (8-7) allowed 10 baserunners but stayed poised and benefited from three double plays. He struck out eight, including rookie Carlos Santana with runners at the corners to finish the third inning.

Delmon Young had three hits and three RBI for the Twins. J.J. Hardy hit a two-run double in Minnesota's four-run third inning.

Rays 5, Orioles 4

Evan Longoria homered, drove in two runs and scored twice, and Tampa Bay blew a four-run lead before rebounding to get the win.

Willy Aybar had two hits and an RBI for the Rays, who took two of three to improve their major league-leading road record to 31-17. Tampa Bay is 7-2 against Baltimore, including 5-1 at Camden Yards.

scoring position.

Royals 5, Jays 2

Zack Greinke won for the fifth time in six decisions and seldom-used catcher Brayan Pena had a career-high three hits for the Royals.