ROCKIES 4, DIAMONDBACKS 1
In Denver, Colorado, Jose Contreras pitched six-and-two-third innings to lead the hosts over Arizona.
Acquired last Monday from the Chicago White Sox for a minor leaguer, Contreras paid immediate dividends for the Rockies, keeping them ahead in the wild card showdown.
CARDINALS 2, PIRATES 1, 10 INNS
In Pittsburgh, Albert Pujols led off the 10th inning with his second career pinch-hit home run as St Louis defeated the home team.
The Pirates suffered a ninth straight loss, despite pitcher Ross Ohlendorf giving up only an unearned run in eight innings.
Pittsburgh lost its 81st game of the season. With one more defeat, they would become the first team in any of the four major American major sports to have 17 consecutive losing seasons.
In other NL action, it was:
• Reds 3, Braves 1
• Cubs 5, Mets 3
• Marlins 9, Nationals 5
• Astros 5, Phillies 4
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