Sosa adds two HRs, helps Cubs end five-game slide

SAN DIEGO -- Sammy Sosa homered in consecutive at-bats, giving him four in two games, and the Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 6-1 Thursday to end their season-high five-game losing streak.

Sosa took over the major league lead with 12 homers, one ahead of Houston's Lance Berkman and Florida's Cliff Floyd. Sosa also moved into a tie with Jose Canseco for 22nd on the career list with 462, one more than Ken Griffey Jr.

Rockies 7, Pirates 2

DENVER -- John Thomson (4-2) didn't allow a hit until Armando Rios singled with one out in the seventh, and Colorado improved to 6-0 under new manager Clint Hurdle.

Braves 3, Brewers 2

MILWAUKEE -- Henry Blanco, acquired from the Brewers on March 20 for Paul Bako and Jose Cabrera, homered off Mike DeJean (0-1) in the 10th inning.

Darren Holmes (2-0) pitched the ninth and allowed one hit, and John Smoltz picked up his ninth save. Smoltz has not allowed a run in eight consecutive games and 10 innings.

Atlanta's Gary Sheffield was 0-for-4 and is hitless in 28 at-bats.

Astros 8, Expos 2

HOUSTON -- Craig Biggio hit the 30th leadoff homer of his career and had three hits and three RBIs as Houston prevented Montreal from sweeping a three-game series. Jeff Bagwell added a two-run homer.

Tim Redding (1-1) allowed one run and two hits in six innings.

Around the NL

DIAMONDBACKS: Randy Johnson, who missed his scheduled start Wednesday night for Arizona because of a strained lower back, will next pitch Monday night.

-- From wire reports