PHOENIX — Randy Johnson went back to work Monday night, and lost for the first time this season — on an unearned run.

        Second baseman Junior Spivey overthrew first in an ill-advised attempt to turn a double play in the seventh inning, allowing Jason Kendall to score the go-ahead run.

        Kendall was 3-for-4 with an RBI double and Brian Giles, 1-for-17 against Johnson entering the game, homered in the first inning for the Pirates. Pittsburgh won for only the second time in eight games and stopped Arizona's four-game winning streak.

        A lower back strain caused Johnson to miss his first start in nearly two years last Wednesday. He wasn't at his best in his return to the mound, although he grew stronger as the night went on.

        Johnson (6-1) struck out eight and walked none while scattering six hits in seven innings. Counting last year's postseason, Johnson had won his last 11 decisions — 10 starts and one memorable World Series relief appearance — and 15 of his last 16.

        Johnson's last regular-season loss was Aug. 23 at Pittsburgh.

        Josh Fogg (4-1) matched Johnson's performance before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the seventh. The Pirates rookie allowed two runs on six hits in six innings. He struck three, walked one intentionally and hit a batter.

        Reliever Scott Sauerbeck shut down Arizona for two innings, and Mike Williams pitched the ninth for his 12th save.

        Cubs 6, Cardinals 5

        CHICAGO — Alex Gonzalez hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth inning, and Bill Mueller homered in his first game back from the disabled list for the Cubs.

        Gonzalez, who had been 0-for-3, hit a 1-0 pitch from Mike Timlin (0-2) into the left-field bleachers. The Cubs poured out of the dugout to meet him at the plate, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

        Mueller, activated from the DL before the game after having knee surgery March 11, was 2-for-4 with a solo shot in the fifth that tied the game.

        The victory preserved the Cubs' winning streak at Wrigley Field when Jon Lieber pitches. Chicago has won Lieber's last 16 starts at Wrigley, dating back to May 24, 2001. Lieber, who didn't get a decision, is 13-0 during the stretch.

        Jeff Fassero (1-2) struck out one in one inning for the victory.

        Jim Edmonds and Edgar Renteria hit two-run homers for St. Louis.

Reds 8, Brewers 5 Reds box, runs Griffey tired of negative remarks Hamilton out; Acevedo in Notes: Larkin out, but hamstring okay NL roundup AL roundup Mariners have the look of a champion AAA: Louisville 6, Buffalo 1

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