Mark Buehrle won for the first time since pitching a perfect game on July 23, ending his eight-start drought by leading the White Sox over the Red Sox 5-1 yesterday in Chicago.

Carlos Quentin homered as Chicago took three of four from the AL wild-card leaders.

Twins 6, Blue Jays 3

In Toronto, major league batting leader Joe Mauer got three more hits and keyed a five-run first inning that sent the Twins over the Blue Jays.

Royals 6, Angels 3

In Kansas City, Billy Butler homered twice and had four RBIs, and the Royals ended a nine-game losing streak to the Angels.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Astros 4, Phillies 3

In Houston, Hunter Pence homered and drove in three runs as the Astros completed a four-game sweep of the NL East leaders. Pence hit a two-run homer and an RBI double for the Astros, who’ve won eight of their last nine home games.

Dodgers 7, D’backs 2

In Phoenix, Manny Ramirez hit his 17th home run of the season before being ejected and Los Angeles’ late-season acquisitions Vicente Padilla and Ronnie Belliard contributed to the Dodgers’ victory over the Diamondbacks.

Rockies 4, Reds 3

In Denver, Ian Stewart broke a tie game with a solo homer in the eighth inning, lifting the Rockies to a win over the Reds.

Cardinals 3, Brewers 0

In Milwaukee, Chris Carpenter pitched a one-hitter, allowing only a double to Jody Gerut in the fifth inning, and struck out 10 as the Cardinals beat the Brewers.

Cubs 4, Pirates 2

In Pittsburgh, the Cubs assured the Pirates of a record-breaking 17th consecutive losing season, getting two homers from Derrek Lee and an effective start from Ted Lilly en route to victory.

Giants 9, Padres 4

In San Francisco, pumped-up Brad Penny dazzled in his home debut and Juan Uribe homered twice and drove in five runs. The Giants remain two games behind Colorado in the NL wild-card race.