CINCINNATI – Brandon Phillips hit one of home runs for the Cincinnati Reds as the Reds swept their way past the Cleveland Indians 12-5 . it was the Reds first three-game sweep of the Indians since 2008. Joey Votto and Ryan Ludwick also homered for the Reds, who blasted Cleveland pitching for 17 hits. Phillips, went eight for 13 with two home runs and seven RBI against the Indians in the series. Phillips is now hitting .356 in his career against his former team. Cleveland’s Michael Brantley extended his hitting streak to 21 games, longest in the majors this season.
SAN FRANCISCO – All Barry Zito had to do today was follow one of the best pitched games in major league baseball history, Matt Cain’s perfect game, and the Giants could have swept the Houston Astros. J.D. Martinez a grand slam in the third inning to lead the Astros to a 6-4 win over the Giants and avoid a sweep. Zito gave up five earned runs in five innings of work, while striking out three and walking three. Wandy Rodriguez registered a quality start for the Astros with regard runs in six innings pitched. Brett Myers came on in the night record his 16th save.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla – Kirk Nieuwenhuis hit two home runs for the New York Mets and the Mets completed a three-game sweep over the Tampa Bay Rasy 9-6. Johan Santana (4-3) allowed four runs and six hits over five-plus innings and earn the win. Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson had one of the worst starts of his career and gave up a career-high eight runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. The Mets scored 29 runs in the three games against the Rays, and allowed just 10.
BALTIMORE – Matt Wieters and Steve Pearce each drove in five runs in the Baltimore Orioles pounded the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-6 to complete a three-game sweep. Wieters had four hits as did Mark Reynolds for the Orioles. the 12 runs and 16 hits were season highs for the Orioles. Tommy Hunter gave up five earned runs in six innings, but still earned the victory. Former oriole and Pittsburgh starter Erik Bedard was rocked for seven runs as he pitched into the fourth inning. Andrew McCutchen in Garrett Jones both had two hits for the Pirates.
