Chase Utley hit his NL-leading 17th homer, a three-run shot into the second deck, to ignite a five-run fifth inning in the Phillies’ 6-1 victory over Rockies, completing a three-game sweep.
Matt Garza struck out 10 in a career-best eight innings, scattering four hits and two runs, in the Rays’ 5-3 win over the Rangers. Garza retired the first nine batters of the game as the Rays have won 15 of 20.
The Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright continued to be dominant at home by shackling the Astros for eight innings in a 6-1 win. He had career-high eight strikeouts and improved to 4-0 with a 2.42 ERA at home.
THREE DOWN
Tom Gorzelanny couldn’t escape the first inning in the Pirates’ 9-1 loss to the Reds. He gave up six runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning. It was the fourth time this season he had allowed six or more runs.
Ramon Ramirez and Joel Peralta wasted a five-run lead in the Royals’ 9-8 loss to the Twins in 10 innings. Ramirez gave up four runs and Peralta allowed homers to Craig Monroe and Justin Morneau.
The Reds demoted Corey Patterson to Triple-A Louisville. Patterson, an ex-Cub, will work on his swing as his average fell to .200 after a pinch-hit appearance Tuesday. Patterson was in an 0-for-18 slump.
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EDITED BY MIKE PANKOW AND THOMAS L. OUTLAW
