Jackson’s homer lifts Diamondbacks past Cubs 3-1

From The Associated Press

PHOENIX — Conor Jackson hit a two-run homer and Doug Davis won for the sixth time in seven decisions, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night.

Davis (11-11) scattered six hits and allowed one run in seven innings for the Diamondbacks, who remained two games ahead of San Diego in the NL West. The Padres beat Philadelphia 4-3 earlier Saturday.

Davis walked one and struck out eight, before Brandon Lyon came on to pitch the eighth. Jose Valverde worked a perfect ninth for his major league-leading 39th save in 45 chances.

Ted Lilly (13-7) allowed two runs on four hits over six innings for the Cubs, who maintained a 1 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee following the Brewers’ 6-2 loss in San Francisco.

Lilly struck out eight and didn’t walk a batter for the third time this season.

The Diamondbacks took the lead in the fourth. Eric Byrnes lined a two-out single to left and Jackson followed with a homer that landed about four rows back in left field.

Jackson’s 10th homer was the 23rd allowed by Lilly in 27 starts spanning 168 1-3 innings.

Ramirez cut the lead to 2-1 in the sixth after Ryan Theriot hit a one-out single and Derek Lee drew a two-out walk. Ramirez blooped a single to right to score Theriot before Craig Monroe flew out to center to end the inning.

Justin Upton gave the Diamondbacks a 3-1 lead in the seventh when he doubled off Kerry Wood, scoring Chris Snyder. Eight of Upton’s 16 hits have been for extra bases.

Davis got some help from his defense in the fifth. Matt Murton singled with one out and Jacque Jones hit a sharp grounder toward the right-field hole. But second baseman Orlando Hudson scooped up the ball and spun toward second to begin an inning-ending double play.

The Cubs put runners on first and second against Lyon with two out in the eighth, but the right-hander struck out Monroe looking to end the threat.

The game was played in front of 46,173, the fourth-largest crowd at Chase Field this season.

Davis, who lasted just two innings in his last start, retired all six batters he faced over the first two innings Saturday. Davis has allowed one run or less in six of his 27 starts.