Fukudome's big day powers Cubs

CHICAGO — Kosuke Fukudome's monster shot to right field Thursday helped propel the Chicago Cubs to a 12-7 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The leadoff hitter smacked his third home run of the season and finished 3-for-5 with four RBIs, a double short of the cycle.

The Cubs held a narrow one-run lead in the sixth inning, but Fukudome's three-run blast off reliever Daniel Ray Herrera broke the game wide open to put the Cubs up 9-5.

"It was the first time in a while that I made solid contact," said Fukudome. "I had a really good first at-bat, and it helped me in my other plate appearances."

Fukudome also singled in the first inning against Brewers ace and former Cy Young winner Zach Greinke, then tripled in the second to score Geovany Soto.

"Too bad (about missing the cycle). I was hoping to get it," said the right fielder, who also threw out Rickie Weeks twice when the Milwaukee leadoff man tried to stretch singles into doubles in the fourth and seventh, respectively.

Phillies 3, Marilins 0

In Philadelphia, Cliff Lee tossed a two-hitter and had two hits and an RBI.

Diamondbacks 3, Giants 2 (10)

In Phoenix, Justin Upton homered on the first pitch he saw in the 10th inning and Arizona avoided a sweep.

Pirates 5, Astros 4

In Houston, Garrett Jones hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Pittsburgh added two runs in the sixth.

Nationals 7, Cardinals 4 (10)

In Washington, Danny Espinosa's three-run homer in the bottom of the 10th gave the Nationals their sixth straight win.

Braves 9, Mets 8, (10)

D.J. Carrasco's balk in the 10th inning gave Atlanta the win.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Twins 1, White Sox 0

In Minneapolis, Nick Blackburn pitched eight shutout innings and Michael Cuddyer's home run was enough to beat Mark Buehrle.

Tsuyoshi Nishioka was 1-for-4 in his anticipated return to the Twins lineup after more than two months on the disabled list with a broken leg.

"It was my first game at home and I was very happy to see the fans cheering me on," said Nishioka. "I won't forget this day."

Yankees 3, Rangers 2 (12)

In New York, journeyman Brian Gordon kept the Yankees close in a most unlikely start, then Brett Gardner hit a winning single in the 12th.

Tigers 6, Indians 2

In Detroit, Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Raburn hit back-to-back, solo homers in the fourth.

Athletics 8, Royals 4

In Oakland, Jemile Weeks had two hits and drove in three runs, and Hideki Matsui homered to lead Oakland.

Matsui's solo blast gives him a combined 499 homers in Japan and the U.S.

Orioles 4, Blue Jays 3

In Toronto, Jeremy Guthrie pitched five shutout innings before a strained back forced him to leave the game.

Red Sox 4, Rays 2

In St. Petersburg, Adrian Gonzalez homered and David Ortiz, Darnell McDonald and Dustin Pedroia drove in runs for the AL East leaders.

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