Phillips homers again for Reds

Brandon Phillips homered for the third time in two games, helping the host Cincinnati Reds beat the Chicago Cubs, 2-1, Tuesday night, ending a three-game losing streak. Phillips has 15 home runs this year.

Reds starter Mike Leake (12-9) allowed six hits and two walks in eight innings in what is expected to be his final start of the season. The Reds plan to shut him down in an effort to prevent arm problems. Leake pitched a career-high nine innings in his previous start, giving up three hits against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Carpenter re-signs with Cards

Former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter signed a two-year, $21-million contract extension with the Cardinals.

"We believe with him and Adam Wainwright we do have that 1-2 punch that we were so hopeful for this year and are glad it can be something we look forward to for 2012 and '13," general manager John Mozeliak said.

Marlins release Cameron

The Florida Marlins released former Mets outfielder Mike Cameron.

The 38-year-old Cameron was let go after Monday's victory over the Atlanta Braves. Manager Jack McKeon said the team wanted to finish out the season using younger players.

Cameron started the season with Boston, hitting .149 with three homers and nine RBIs before he was dealt to Florida in early July for a player to be named. He batted .238 with six homers and 18 RBIs for the Marlins.

Minnesota fires affect Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers closed the Miller Park roof before Tuesday night's game against the Colorado Rockies because of the lingering smoke from a wildfire burning in Minnesota.

Strong winds brought smoke and haze from the blaze nearly 400 miles southeast. Park officials say they closed the roof well before players arrived yesterday afternoon and closed the outfield panels to the park about three hours before the first pitch.

There still was a haze inside the ballpark at game time, but the smell of smoke was not prevalent inside the way it was outside the 10-year-old stadium.

The fire started Aug. 18 with a lightning strike 20 miles from Ely, Minn., but only began spreading quickly this week in windy, dry conditions. -- AP