FLORIDA, 31 May 2005 — Carlos Delgado hit a three-run homer and Josh Beckett pitched seven strong innings to lead the Florida Marlins to a 6-3 win over the New York Mets in National League play in Miami on Sunday.

Delgado’s homer came as a part of a five-run seventh inning as the Marlins salvaged the final game of the four-game series and ended a four-game losing streak. Beckett (7-3) allowed two runs on four hits and struck out five. Guillermo Mota and Todd Jones finished up, with Jones picking up his eighth save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

In other games, Ken Griffey Jnr. homered and drove in five runs as the Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-2 in Cincinnati.

Brandon Claussen (2-3) pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out four. Kip Wells (3-4) pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing nine runs — four earned — on six hits, walking four and striking out three to take the loss.

In Atlanta, Tim Hudson pitched seven strong innings as the Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-2. Hudson (6-3) allowed two runs on six hits, walking five and striking out two. Marcus Giles homered for the Braves.

In Milwaukee, Mike Lamb homered as the Houston Astros beat the Brewers 2-1. Andy Pettitte (3-5) pitched six innings, allowing three hits, walking one and striking out eight for the win. Brad Lidge pitched one inning for his 10th save.

In St. Louis, Livan Hernandez pitched seven strong innings as the Washington Nationals beat the Cardinals 3-2. Hernandez (8-2) allowed two runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out three. Chad Cordero pitched one inning for his 11th save and Brad Wilkerson had three hits and drove in two runs for the Nationals.

In Chicago, Aramis Ramirez homered and drove in four runs as the Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies 11-6. Roberto Novoa (1-1) got two outs, allowing one hit, walking two and striking out one for the win.

In San Francisco, Khalil Greene homered as the San Diego Padres beat the Giants 9-6. Chris Hammond (5-0) pitched two innings, allowing one hit. Trevor Hoffman pitched one inning for his 16th save. Tyler Walker (2-1) got one out.

In Phoenix, Cesar Izturis scored two runs and had three hits as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3. Jeff Weaver (5-4) went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, walking three and striking out for.