NL Central race: September 6, 2008

MLB.com: Nothing like a slugfest to shatter a skid

Alfonso Soriano notched his third career three-homer game, Mark DeRosa hit a three-run shot and Jason Marquis helped himself with a solo homer to spark the Cubs to a 14-9 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, ending their slide.

MLB.com: Sheets shuts out Padres in win

Despite the second injury scare in as many games, [Ben Sheets] turned in a dominant effort on Saturday, helping the Brewers to a 1-0 win over Jake Peavy and the San Diego Padres. Sheets, who left his last start with tightness in his left groin, also appeared to hurt his finger after his first at-bat in the second inning. He needed extra warmup time before the third, but continued where he left off, allowing three hits in nine innings.

It was Sheets’ fifth complete-game of the year and third shutout.

CHC 86-56
MIL 82-60 (4 GB; lead wildcard by 4.5)