From Wire Reports

CHICAGO - The Philadelphia Phillies may have benefited from an instant replay in the seventh inning yesterday. Too bad the rule is in effect only for home run calls.

Ryan Howard was called out on a close play at first, snuffing a rally that helped the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 for their seventh straight win.

Since the new system put in place this week deals only with boundary calls on home runs, there was no way to review the pivotal play. TV replays showed that Howard beat the throw to the bag with two outs in a tie game in the seventh and Jimmy Rollins at third.

But Howard was called out, the game remained tied and Alfonso Soriano homered in the bottom half for the surging Cubs.

"I was pretty sure I was safe. . . . It's definitely frustrating. It changes the outcome of the game," Howard said. "It changes the momentum. Instead of being down 3-2, they get out of the inning, Soriano comes up and hits a home run, now they're up 3-2."

Howard was not advocating that replay should be expanded.

"I don't really want to get into that stuff as far as taking instant replay to every aspect of the game," Howard said. 'But the safe or out calls are definitely important. Today, the one that we're focused on right now, it changed the outcome of the game."

Soriano's first homer in 15 days and 23rd of the season came off Clay Condrey (3-4). Chicago made the most of four hits and improved its record to a major league-best 85-50, including 51-19 at Wrigley Field.

Philadelphia had put runners at the corners with two outs in the top of the seventh before Howard's hard grounder went off Derrek Lee. The first baseman retrieved the ball, tossed to pitcher Jeff Samardzija, and first base umpire Chris Guccione called out Howard. In the ensuing argument from Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and third base coach Steve Smith, Smith was ejected by plate umpire Bill Welke.

Samardzija (1-0) earned his first major-league win. Carlos Marmol struck out two with two on in the eighth and pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh save in nine chances.

NOTABLE

Meredith called up by Padres

SAN DIEGO - The Padres recalled right-handed reliever Cla Meredith (Meadowbrook, VCU) from Triple-A Portland and placed outfielder Scott Hairston (.248, 17 HR, 31 RBI) on the 15-day disabled list because of a torn ligament in his left thumb. Meredith (0-3, 3.99 ERA) was optioned to Portland on Aug. 15. He had a 2.70 ERA in six relief appearances with the Beavers. San Diego also purchased the contracts of right-hander Josh Geer and outfielder Will Venable.

Diamondbacks acivate Upton

PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated right fielder Justin Upton from the 15-day disabled list and claimed left-hander Wil Ledezma off waivers from the San Diego Padres. The Diamondbacks also recalled right-hander Max Scherzer from Triple-A Tucson. Upton (Cheasapeeake) was out since July 9 with a strained oblique in his left side.

Red Sox' Beckett put on 15-day DL

BOSTON - Josh Beckett was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right elbow. Manager Terry Francona hopes Beckett can return to the rotation Sept. 5 in Texas. Beckett was placed on the DL retroactive to Aug. 18. The Red Sox purchased catcher David Ross' contract.

Martinez activated by Indians

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Indians catcher Victor Martinez, sidelined for more than two months with an injured right elbow, was activated from the disabled list ahead of last night's game against the Seattle Mariners. He'll start at first base in the series opener. Martinez (.278, 21 RBI), a two-time all-star, had surgery on his elbow June 13.

Elsewhere: