Berkman's three-run shot off Fernando Abad (1-2) gave St. Louis a 5-4 lead and he then added a solo shot in the ninth. He finished with four hits and overall had eight hits and seven RBIs in his first series against his former team. It was his third multi-home run game of the season and the 28th of his career.

Matt Holliday drove in three runs during the sixth, and Kyle McClellan and David Freese each drove in a run as St.

Louis sent 14 batters to the plate in the sixth, and Houston went through four pitchers.

McClellan (4-0) allowed eight hits in 5 2-3 innings for the victory. Fernando Salas worked the final 1 1-3 innings for the save.

In Pittsburgh, Ryan Vogelsong won in his first start in almost seven years, pitching effectively into the sixth inning against his former team in San Francisco's victory over Pittsburgh.

Making just his third appearance in the majors since 2006, the 33-year-old Vogelsong (1-0) tied a career high with eight strikeouts. He gave up four hits. Vogelsong spent three seasons in Japan before returning to the majors.

Brian Wilson pitched the ninth for his seventh save. San Francisco had lost five of its previous six.

Aaron Rowand had three RBIs and stole home as part of a double steal. He hit a two-run double during the Giants' four-run third against Jeff Karstens (2-1).

In Washington, new father Ian Desmond homered and tripled in his first game back from paternity leave, powering Washington past New York.

Desmond's solo home run in the fifth gave Washington a 4-2 lead. He missed the Nationals' previous two games.

Nationals starter Livan Hernandez (3-2) pitched eight strong innings, allowing only two earned runs. He also got his first hit of the season and drove in a run with a sacrifice bunt.

Drew Storen pitched the ninth for his fourth save in four chances.

Chris Capuano (2-2) allowed 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings for the Mets, whose six-game winning streak was ended.

In Phoenix, Stephen Drew hit his first career grand slam to spark an Arizona franchise-record, seven-run first inning as the Diamondbacks routed Chicago, Drew finished with a career-best five RBIs, Miguel Montero also homered and drove in three runs, and Barry Enright (1-2) won his first game.

Cubs starter Ryan Dempster (1-3) had the shortest outing of his 266-start career, recording only one out and allowing seven runs, four walks and a hit batter. Chicago has lost four straight.