Hamels, Phillies hold down Braves

Cole Hamels had another outstanding outing, and the host Philadelphia Phillies took advantage of an error by Jason Heyward to beat the Atlanta Braves, 3-1, last night, increasing their lead in the NL East to four games.

The two-time NL champion Phils won their eighth straight game and improved to 42-15 since July 21, when they trailed the Braves by seven games.

Hamels (12-10) allowed one run and six hits, striking out six in eight innings to win his fifth straight start.

Brandon Beachy (0-1) gave up three runs - one earned - and four hits in 41/3 innings in his major-league debut. He was a late fill-in for Jair Jurrjens, who has a sore right knee.

Marlins 4, Cardinals 0

Chris Volstad threw a five-hitter for his second career shutout, and Brad Davis hit a grand slam off Chris Carpenter in Miami.

Colvin recovering

Chicago Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin remained hospitalized in Miami a day after his season ended when part of a shattered bat punctured his chest. Colvin was being treated with a chest tube to prevent a collapsed lung.

- AP