Rizzo’s 1st homer of the year lifts Cubs

CHICAGO — Anthony Rizzo hit his first homer with the Cubs, a two-run go-ahead shot in the fifth inning, and Chicago beat the Houston Astros 3-2 Saturday for its fourth win in five games.

Matt Garza (4-6) struggled but got the victory by working 5 1/3 innings. Five Cubs relievers combined to allow one hit and no runs over the final 3 2/3 innings with Carlos Marmol pitching the ninth for his seventh save in nine chances.

Braves 7, Nationals 5: Mike Minor won for just the second time in 12 starts and the Atlanta Braves overcame 104-degree heat to beat Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals.

Strasburg (9-3) left after just three innings because of weather-related issues. He didn’t return to begin the fourth, tying for the shortest outing of his 33-start career.

Mets 5, Dodgers 0: Johan Santana scattered three hits over eight innings, Ike Davis hit a three-run homer, and the New York Mets handed the Los Angeles Dodgers their season-worst seventh straight loss.

Padres 8, Rockies 4: Yasmani Grandal and Alexi Amarista each homered twice, leading Edinson Volquez and the San Diego Padres over the Colorado Rockies.

Pirates 7, Cardinals 3: Pedro Alvarez hit a grand slam in the first inning off suddenly scuffling 10-game winner Lance Lynn and Andrew McCutchen had two hits before leaving with a sore left wrist, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals for their fourth victory in a row.

Reds 2, Giants 1: Giants nemesis Mat Latos pitched a two-hitter to win his career-best seventh straight decision, beating San Francisco for the second time in as many outings this season.

Marlins 3, Phillies 2: Giancarlo Stanton homered and drove in two runs, Mark Buehrle pitched seven strong innings and the Miami Marlins beat the Philadelphia Phillies for their third straight win.

Brewers 10, Diamondbacks 2: Ryan Braun homered twice and Cody Ransom added a three-run homer to lead the Milwaukee Brewers over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Padres 8, Rockies 4: Yasmani Grandal and Alexi Amarista each homered twice, leading Edinson Volquez and the San Diego Padres over the Colorado Rockies 8-4.

Grandal, called up from Triple-A before the game, made his first big league start memorable by homering for his first two hits in the majors. — Agencies