Streaking Phillies trim Reds

CINCINNATI – Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard hit a solo homer, and left-handed pitcher Cole Hamels stayed unbeaten against the Cincinnati Reds as the Philadelphia Phillies had a 4-3 victory Tuesday.

The National League East leaders matched their best winning streak of the season with five straight thanks to a solid performance by Hamels (2-2), who allowed five hits in six innings, including solo homers by Jay Bruce and Jerry Hairston Jr.

Hamels improved to 4-0 in five career starts against Cincinnati, allowing five earned runs in 36 innings. Brad Lidge escaped a threat in the ninth for his eighth save.

Howard’s ninth homer off Johnny Cueto (4-2) helped the Phillies end his streak of four straight wins. Slumping Jimmy Rollins doubled home a run, and Pedro Feliz had two hits.

At Miami, Mark Reynolds homered leading off a five-run seventh inning and Jon Garland pitched six strong innings to help lift Arizona past Florida, 5-3.

It was Arizona’s second straight win after dropping seven of eight.

Hanley Ramirez homered for Florida, which has lost seven of eight and 13 of 17.

Garland (4-2) allowed two runs – one earned – and seven hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out three.

Chad Qualls pitched the ninth to earn his ninth save in 10 opportunities.

At Atlanta, Jair Jurrjens pitched seven strong innings and Casey Kotchman had three hits and three RBIs to help Atlanta beat Colorado, 8-1.

Jurrjens (4-2) lowered his ERA to 1.96 by scattering three hits and allowing one run in seven innings. The right-hander struck out a season-high eight and walked three.

The Braves had scored just four runs in their previous three games, but they improved to 7-11 at Turner Field. They began the night with a .353 home winning percentage that was second-worst in the majors. (AP)