Masterful Martinez Cools Off Padres

National League

Eric Karros’ two-run homer helped limit Fernando Valenzuela to just 1-1/2 innings and Ramon Martinez was masterful as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 7-0 Thursday in the opener of a four-game series to take a 1-game lead in the National League West.

Expos 5, Braves 1 Atlanta

David Segui hit a two-run single in the ninth and Moises Alou followed with a two-run homer as Montreal beat Atlanta and moved ahead of San Diego in the N.L. wild-card race.

Pirates 6, Reds 4 Pittsburgh

Pinch-hitter Nelson Liriano had a tie-breaking single in the sixth and Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati, stretching its winning streak to eight games.

Cardinals 5, Cubs 4 (13) St. Louis

Tom Pagnozzi singled home the winning in the 13th and St. Louis reduced its magic number for winning the N.L. Central to five by beating Chicago.

John Mabry doubled off Mike Campbell (3-1) to start the 13th and Gary Gaetti’s sacrifice moved pinch-runner Miguel Mejia to third. Chicago put center fielder Brian McRae just in front of second base to form a five-man infield, but Pagnozzi hit a line-drive single to left over the drawn-in infield.

Mets 7, Phillies 2 Philadelphia

Edgardo Alfonzo hit two home runs and Rey Ordonez hit his first major league homer as New York ended its four-game losing streak with a victory over Philadelphia.

Giants 11, Rockies 4 San Francisco

Glenallen Hill homered and had five RBIs as San Francisco beat Colorado, pushing the Rockies closer to wild-card elimination.

Marlins want Leyland

The manager of the Florida Marlins says Jim Leyland should get his job.

John Boles endorsed the hiring of Leyland, who has said he’ll leave Pittsburgh after this season.

“I hope we do everything we can to get Jim Leyland,” Boles said. “He is the best man for the job. I would be crushed if somebody else hired him.”