MLB: Philadelphia 12, Chicago Cubs 5

Chicago lost its fourth straight and slipped four games behind St. Louis for the lead in the National League Central. The Phillies expanded their lead in the NL East to 4 1/2 games over both Florida and Atlanta.

Philadelphia already had a 4-1 advantage when it sent 13 men to the plate in the fourth.

The big inning made things easy for Pedro Martinez in his 2009 debut. Martinez, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, threw for the first time since Sept. 25, while with the New York Mets.

He was signed to a prorated $2 million contract last month after coming back from a sore right shoulder. Martinez (1-1) gave up three runs on seven hits in five innings. It was his 401st career start.

The Phillies spoiled the first major league start for Jeff Samardzija, a former Notre Dame football player who in 16 relief appearances had a 6.29 ERA.

Samardzija (1-2) was touched for seven runs on eight hits in 3 1/3.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.