Cards, Cubs Win Friday

ST. LOUIS--A few minor adjustments here and there. That was all it took for Michael Wacha to get back on track.

Wacha pitched seven crisp innings, Matt Carpenter homered for the third time in two games, and the Cardinals beat the Colorado Rockies 7-0 on Friday night.

Jhonny Peralta added a two-run homer for the Cardinals (66-37), who have won eight of 11 to move a season-high 29 games over .500 for the third time this season. Stephen Piscotty had a two-run double to help St. Louis run its major league-best home record to 39-15.

The six-hitter for Wacha (12-4) and two relievers came after St. Louis bolstered its bullpen by acquiring Jonathan Broxton before the non-waiver trade deadline on Friday afternoon. The Cardinals sent minor league outfielder Malik Collymore to Milwaukee for Broxton, who will help set up for All-Star closer Trevor Rosenthal.

Colorado has lost seven of 10.

Wacha allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked one.

TONIGHT--Colorado at Cardinals, 6:15pm

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MILWAUKEE--Jason Hammel loves facing the Milwaukee Brewers, especially at Miller Park.

Hammel beat Milwaukee for the seventh consecutive decision with his first win overall in two months and Anthony Rizzo homered to lead the Chicago Cubs past the rebuilding Brewers 4-1 on Friday night.

Hammel (6-5) improved to 7-0 in nine starts against Milwaukee and picked up his first victory since June 6. He allowed a run on six hits over 5-2/3 innings to beat the Brewers for the second time this season. His only mistake was a pitch Ryan Braun hit for his 19th home run in the first.

Anthony Rizzo also hit his 19th home run for the Cubs, his third long ball in as many games.

The Cubs also beefed up their pitching staff, adding starter Dan Haren in a trade with the Miami Marlins, and trading with Baltimore for reliever Tommy Hunter in exchange for outfielder Junior Lake.

TONIGHT--Cubs at Milwaukee, 6:10pm