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Reynolds, Jackson help Diamondbacks cruise by Nationals

Aug 11, 2007 - 6:44 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- Rookie Mark Reynolds hit a key two-run single in the seventh inning to break a tie as the Arizona Diamondbacks posted an 11-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night.

Conor Jackson belted a pair of two-run homers and rookie Miguel Montero drove in two runs for Arizona, which has won three straight and six of seven to maintain its three-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the National League West. San Diego defeated Cincinnati, 12-7, in 11 innings earlier on Friday.

The Diamondbacks, who also have won 16 of 19, took advantage of 10 walks - a Washington Nationals franchise record.

In a 4-4 game, Nationals reliever Saul Rivera (4-4) walked Orlando Hudson and Eric Byrnes to lead off the seventh.

"I never feel the game is ours, but we feel very good when the bullpen is in, but they are human," Nationals manager Manny Acta said. "We came in and walked back-to back hitters and you usually get in trouble when you do that."

After both runners moved up a base on a sacrifice by Jackson, 19-year-old rookie Justin Upton was intentionally walked to load the bases before a single to right by Reynolds gave Arizona a 6-4 lead.

"I understand them walking him (Upton) in front of me but it does kind of motivate you," Reynolds said. "The whole thing this year is anyone on any night. Tonight I was able to put a good swing on a slider."

Ray King, the fourth of five Washington pitchers, then came on and surrendered the 10th walk of the game to Stephen Drew to again load the bases. Montero hit a two-run single up the middle to make it 8-4 and Jeff Cirillo followed with an RBI groundout.

"We're trying to do the best we can in all facets," Diamondback manager Bob Melvin said. "Conor got us going with the homer early, and then to have him, our No. four hitter, sacrifice, we got it done. Reynolds got the big hit then Montero. That is what we've done and have to do."

Jackson, who homered in the first off Nationals rookie starter Matt Chico to provide a 2-0 lead, belted a two-run homer in the ninth to complete his third multi-homer game of his career.

"The two home runs were nice but the sacrifice bunt was probably the biggest thing I have done all year," Jackson said. "It is the first in my career and my first since maybe Little League but that is what the situation called for."

His four RBI also were a career high.

Diamondbacks starter Livan Hernandez (8-7) allowed four runs, six hits and a walk in seven innings for his second straight victory.

After Washington halved the lead in the top of the third on an RBI groundout by Felipe Lopez, the Diamondbacks increased their advantage in the bottom of the frame on consecutive bases-loaded walks by Upton and Reynolds to make it 4-1.

"The 10 walks I can't explain," Acta said. "Chico had trouble throwing it over the plate but I am impressed with him the way he battled without his best stuff."

Chico, who has yet to win on the road in his career, hurled five innings, surrendering four runs on four hits while walking six and striking out a career-high six.

"I was trying to throw the ball down the middle but I think I hit every spot but the middle," Chico said. "When I was on the mound I was real slow. Once you start thinking about something else other then the things you are suppose to think about, that's when bad things start happening."

The Nationals rallied when Lopez, Ryan Zimmerman and Austin Kearns all homered in the sixth against Hernandez to tie the game at 4-4. The three home runs in the inning also set a new Washington National record.

Kearns had two hits for Washington, which has alternated wins and losses in its last six games.