Thursday’s N.L. games

Cubs 8, Astros 3: At Chicago, Sammy Sosa and Aramis Ramirez hit consecutive homers in a five-run third inning, and Chicago beat Houston for its fifth straight win. Mark Prior (4-3) got his first win in three weeks, needing 116 pitches to get through six innings. Brandon Backe (1-2) gave up seven runs and nine hits in three-plus innings. Carlos Beltran homered for the fourth straight game.

Padres 10, Mets 3: At New York, Adam Eaton (9-11) allowed two hits in seven shutout innings to win his seventh straight road start, Mark Loretta drove in three runs and San Diego opened a 10-0 lead and completed a four-game sweep of New York.

Giants 5, Marlins 0: At Miami, Brett Tomko (7-6) pitched a four-hitter for his first career shutout, striking out four and walking one in his first complete game this season, as San Francisco defeated Florida. He is 5-0 in seven starts against the Marlins. Ray Durham hit a two-run homer. Josh Beckett (5-8) lasted just 5 1/3 innings and departed trailing 4-0.

Dodgers 10, Expos 3: At Montreal, Adrian Beltre hit his major league-high 41st homer, Eric Gagne was cheered wildly in what was likely his final game in his hometown, and Los Angeles beat Montreal. Gagne threw a hitless ninth inning. Jeff Weaver (12-10) improved to 5-0 in his last six starts, allowing three runs and five hits in six innings and hitting a two-run single in a seven-run sixth.

Reds 1, Cardinals 0: At Cincinnati, Aaron Harang (8-6) pitched a three-hitter for his first career complete game, Sean Casey homered in the sixth off Chris Carpenter (13-5) and Cincinnati shut out St. Louis.

Braves 6, Rockies 4: At Atlanta, Mike Hampton (10-9) helped himself with an RBI single, and Atlanta increased its East Division lead to a season-high 9 1/2 games, completing a three-game sweep that stretched its winning streak to four. Colorado has lost four straight. Hampton allowed six hits and four walks in six innings, but gave up only two runs. John Smoltz pitched the ninth for his 34th save.