Associated Press
Posted: 4:37 am
July 4, 2008
Cole Hamels, who earned his first career shutout against the Braves on May 15, gave up his only run with two outs in the ninth, and the Phillies beat the Braves 4-1 last night to complete their second three-game sweep at Turner Field.
Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz hit home runs as the Phillies improved to 8-1 against the Braves this season.
The Phillies hit seven homers and outscored the Braves 19-7 in the series, dropping Atlanta (40-46) a season-low six games below .500.
Hamels (9-5) gave up three hits through eight scoreless innings before a leadoff double to Chipper Jones in the ninth.
Giants 8, Cubs 3.
In San Francisco, Tim Lincecum increased his National League-leading strikeout total to 122 with eight Ks in six innings and also singled in a run and scored, helping the Giants salvage a four-game split.
Reds 5, Nationals 3
In Cincinnati, Brandon Phillips had three hits and three RBIs for the Reds.
D'backs 6, Brewers 5
In Phoenix, Conor Jackson's two-run single capped Arizona's six-run ninth inning for Arizona.
Three Brewers pitchers failed to record an out as seven straight Diamondbacks reached base in the ninth.
Rockies 6, Marlins 5 (11)
In Denver, Ryan Spilborghs' two-run single off Kevin Gregg with one out in the 11th inning rallied Colorado.
Gregg (6-3), who blew his fifth save in 20 chances, walked Yorvit Torrealba leading off and then overthrew first base on Scott Podsednik's attempted sacrifice bunt, putting runners at second and third. Troy Tulowitzki drew a walk to load the bases. After Omar Quintanilla grounded into a force play, Spilborghs sent a 1-2 fastball into the left-center gap.
Dodgers 5, Astros 2
In Houston, Chad Billingsley (8-7) pitched eight strong innings and Andre Ethier homered for the second straight game for Los Angeles.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Royals 10, Orioles 7
In Baltimore, Mark Grudzielanek went 4-for-5 and played a key role in a seven-run sixth inning for Kansas City.
The Royals overcame a four-run deficit and two homers by Aubrey Huff to earn a split of the four-game series.
Athletics 3, White Sox 2
In Chicago, Justin Duchscherer (9-5, 1.96 ERA) pitched seven solid innings, Jack Cust and Donnie Murphy homered as Oakland snapped the White Sox's seven-game win streak.
Tigers 8, Mariners 4
In Seattle, Justin Verlander (5-9) pitched six strong innings and Michael Hollimon hit his first big-league home run for Detroit. Ivan Rodriguez added three RBIs as the Tigers pounded out 15 hits.
