HOUSTON -- Joel Pineiro allowed five hits in seven innings, Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer and St. Louis inched closer to the NL Central title with an 11-2 win over Houston.

Colby Rasmus added a solo shot as the Cardinals reduced their magic number for clinching the division to two. Pineiro (15-11) struck out four to win for the first time in four starts.

• Dodgers 14, Nationals 2: At Washington, Rafael Furcal drove in four runs and Hiroki Kuroda allowed four hits over six innings for Los Angeles.

• Phillies 9, Marlins 3, Game 1, Marlins 3, Phillies 0, Game 2: At Miami, Anibal Sanchez allowed two hits in eight innings to beat Philadelphia for the first time in five career decisions and give Florida a doubleheader split.

while NL batting leader Hanley Ramirez had two hits and doubled home the Marlins' other run.

• Braves 3, Mets 1: At New York, Jair Jurrjens dominated New York again and Yunel Escobar hit a two-run single for Atlanta.

• Cubs 7, Brewers 2: At Milwaukee, Derrek Lee hit his 35th homer and drove in two runs for a career-high 109 total in leading Chicago.

The NL Central race with a loss and a victory by St. Louis over Houston.

• Reds 10. Pirates 4: At Pittsburgh, Scott Rolen had three hits and three RBIs, Joey Votto had three doubles and Cincinnati's win meant Pittsburgh clinched its third.