The Associated Press

SAN DIEGO - Ivan Rodriguez hit a two-run homer and Todd Hollandsworth added a two-run double as Florida beat San Diego 6-1 Monday night to make Jack McKeon 2-0 as Marlins manager.

The 72-year-old McKeon was hired Sunday after Jeff Torborg was fired. The Marlins beat the Rockies 7-2 in McKeon's debut.

Rondell White had four hits and Mark Loretta three for the Padres, only 2 1/2 games ahead of Detroit for the worst record in the majors. San Diego (12-26) has the NL's worst record after losing 13 of 15.

Luis Castillo had three hits for the Marlins, who have won three of four.

Royals 3, Twins 2

MINNEAPOLIS - Carlos Beltran homered and Jeremy Affeldt struck out a career-high eight as Kansas City beat Minnesota in the opener of a four-game series between the top two teams in the AL Central.

The first-place Royals improved to 17-3 against division opponents and 3-0 against the Twins, who had won 10 of 12 coming in. Kansas City is 3 1/2 games up on Minnesota.

Astros 9, Pirates 4

PITTSBURGH - Lance Berkman hit one of Houston's three solo homers and drove in three runs, and the Astros' bullpen again bailed out an ineffective starter in the victory over the Pirates.

The Pirates, who trailed 3-2 until the eighth, stranded 12 runners through the first six innings, 14 overall and were 1-for-17 with runners in scoring position in their ninth loss in 10 games. They have lost eight of nine at PNC Park.

Cubs 11, Brewers 5

MILWAUKEE - Moises Alou and Mark Grudzielanek each had four of the Chicago Cubs' season-high 19 hits in a win against Milwaukee.

Mark Prior struck out 11 in six innings. Alou, Damian Miller and Troy O'Leary homered for the Cubs, who have not had any trouble scoring without the injured Sammy Sosa.

Mets 9, Rockies 6

DENVER - Cliff Floyd homered and drove in four runs, and Steve Trachsel won for the first time in eight starts.

Roberto Alomar hit his second homer of the year and Ty Wigginton added a three-run triple for New York, which won its third straight.

Mike Piazza, who took grounders at first base before the game for the first time, had three hits to help the Mets win for just the sixth time in 17 road games.