Thursday's National League Capsules

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - John Mayberry Jr. hit a two-run homer, David Herndon tossed three scoreless innings in relief and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1 Thursday night in a matchup of division leaders.

The major league-leading Phillies took two of three in a potential playoff preview, improving to 14-1-1 in their last 16 series.

A thunderstorm delayed the game for 2 hours, 17 minutes after three innings. Neither starting pitcher returned when play resumed.

Herndon (1-2) gave up one hit and struck out four to earn his second career win. Ryan Madson finished for his 23rd save in 24 tries.

Ian Kennedy (15-4) gave up three runs and five hits in three innings, failing to become the NL's first 16-game winner. He had won his previous seven starts.

Arizona remained 2 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco in the West.

Braves 1, Giants 0

ATLANTA (AP) - Mike Minor pitched six crisp innings to outduel Tim Lincecum, and Atlanta's Chipper Jones homered for the only run.

The Braves appeared to be at a distinct disadvantage with Minor, filling in with Tommy Hanson on the DL, going against the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner.

But Minor (3-2) pitched brilliantly, allowing just four hits and one intentional walk while striking out a season-high nine.

Lincecum (11-10) was no slouch, surrendering five hits in seven innings with seven Ks. But the wiry right-hander made one big mistake, serving up a high fastball to Jones leading off the fifth. He sent a drive soaring into the right-field seats for 11th homer.

Craig Kimbrel struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 37th save in 42 chances, breaking a tie with Todd Worrell for the most saves by an NL rookie since 1969.

Dodgers 5, Brewers 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Clayton Kershaw throttled the streaking Brewers with eight scoreless innings and Rod Barajas homered, leading the Dodgers to the victory.

The NL Central-leading Brewers came in winners of 19 of 21 and were looking to complete a 7-0 homestand.

But Kershaw (15-5) was tremendous, retiring 13 of his final 14 batters and never facing serious trouble after the third inning.

Barajas hit a solo homer in the second. Los Angeles built a 5-0 lead by scoring twice in the seventh and two more in the eighth, the first runs allowed by Milwaukee's bullpen in the last 10 games.

Brewers starter Marco Estrada (3-8) allowed one run and three hits in five innings.

Nationals 3, Reds 1

WASHINGTON (AP) - Jonny Gomes hit a two-run single against his former team and Jordan Zimmermann pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning to lead Washington to the victory.

Nationals catcher Jesus Flores also had his first home run in more than two years.

Zimmermann (8-10) allowed six hits before leaving with runners on first and second and two outs in the sixth. Ryan Mattheus came on to strike out Paul Janish to end the inning. Mattheus did not face another batter because of a tight right shoulder.

The Reds scored the unearned run in the seventh off Henry Rodriguez. Tyler Clippard worked the eighth and Drew Storen closed it out for his 33rd save in 37 chances.

Ryan Hanigan had four hits and Brandon Phillips finished with three for Cincinnati. Bronson Arroyo (7-10) got the loss.

Padres 3, Marlins 1

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Tim Stauffer tossed seven strong innings to rebound from his worst start of the season and lead San Diego to the win.

Stauffer (8-9) allowed one run - John Buck's 15th homer in the seventh inning - and five hits. The right-hander struck out five and walked one in his first outing since he yielded five homers and nine runs in just three innings of a 13-1 loss at Cincinnati.

Jesus Guzman drove in two runs for the Padres, who beat Florida for the 10th time in 12 games. Heath Bell pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 33rd save in 36 chances.

Florida starter Javier Vasquez (7-11) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. The right-hander retired his last 14 batters but still dropped to 0-2 with a 2.77 ERA in four starts this month.