Willis does it all to get 18th win

CHICAGO - Dontrelle Willis used his arm and hip Saturday to tie for the major-league lead with his 18th win.

Willis beat Greg Maddux, driving in the tiebreaking run when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the Marlins' 2-1 win over the Cubs.

Willis allowed one run and six hits in 71/3 innings, struck out six, walked one and hit one batter.

"He gives us a pretty good outing every time he goes out there," Marlins manager Jack McKeon said. "He's an 18-game winner. He's going to be a 20-game winner, there's no doubt in my mind. He just makes the hitters hit the ball and doesn't mess around too much."

Willis matched Chris Carpenter of St. Louis with 18 wins and tied the Marlins' season record, set by Carl Pavano last year.

"It's a great feeling," Willis said. "It's definitely a team effort. You have to have lot of things go your way. ... I've been very fortunate to stay healthy and stay strong."

He drove in the go-ahead run when he was hit on the right hip on an 0-and-1 pitch in the fifth.

"I tried to dodge it, but it was on me so quick, and I have a big backside," Willis said.

Maddux pitched a five-hitter for his second complete game, striking out two, walking one and hitting two batters. He has about five starts left as he tries to extend his major-league record of 17 consecutive seasons with 15 or more wins.

"It's one of those games when you look back and you pitched just good enough to lose," Maddux said. "He pitched a good game. We knew going into the game we needed to hold them close and we might get him later."

It was just the third time in his 20-year major-league career that Maddux hit a batter with the bases loaded, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

"It's okay to be wild, but when you're wild in tight, you run the risk of hitting the guy," Maddux said.

Florida won its third straight. The Marlins moved within a half-game of Philadelphia, the NL wild-card leader.

Todd Jones finished for his 31st save in 33 chances, his 21st in a row.

Chicago has lost six of seven.

For the second straight day, Juan Pierre was hit by a pitch leading off the first and stole second. Jeff Conine sacrificed and Miguel Cabrera hit a sacrifice fly.

Jeromy Burnitz hit a run-scoring double in the fourth after a single by Nomar Garciaparra, but the Marlins went ahead for good in the fifth.

Juan Encarnacion doubled leading off, ending a streak of nine consecutive batters retired by Maddux, Damion Easley reached on a bunt single and Matt Treanor walked. Maddux then hit Willis.

[Last modified August 28, 2005, 01:14:15]