Burrell, Phillies blast way to win over Reds

CINCINNATI — Needing to win today to secure a split of their four-game series against the Reds – and with a hotly anticipated three-game series against the rival Mets on deck – the Phillies resorted to playing old-fashioned home-run derby.

The Phillies swatted four long balls – two by sizzling left fielder Pat Burrell – against Cincinnati starter Bronson Arroyo in a 5-3 victory before an announced crowd of 14,647 in a matinee at Great American Ball Park.

But before the Phillies jetted to New York to face the Mets in the final home-opener in the 44-year history of Shea Stadium, the Reds threatened in the ninth inning, loading the bases and bringing the winning run to the plate against new closer Brad Lidge.

A two-out walk to No. 8 hitter Paul Bako and a dropped fly ball by left fielder So Taguchi, who replaced Burrell for defense, allowed the game to continue. After Lidge intentionally walked Ken Griffey Jr., a wild pitch allowed Bako to score.

But Lidge struck out pinch-hitting Javier Valentin to pin down his first save for the Phillies.

Jimmy Rollins opened the game with his club-record 27th career leadoff homer, a shot to right field. Arroyo retired the next two batters before allowing a Ryan Howard double and a long homer by Burrell to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.

Burrell and Geoff Jenkins blasted back-to-back homers in the third inning, marking the first time Arroyo had allowed four home runs in a game. Burrell, in the final year of his contract, finished 2-for-4 and is batting .435 (10-for-23) with three homers and nine RBIs through seven games.

Cole Hamels allowed two first-inning runs but recovered to toss seven solid innings. Hamels, the Phillies' ace lefty, allowed five hits, walked three and struck out four.

(delawareonline.com)