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Dillon helps Brewers stop Reds

Sep 16, 2007 - 9:49 PM By Dave Cotey PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- From Japan to a pennant race, Milwaukee Brewers utility player Joe Dillon has come a long way in a short period of time.

Dillon, who retired following the 2003 season because of a back injury, had a career-high four RBI to help the Brewers defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 5-2, Sunday at Miller Park.

Carlos Villanueva (8-4) pitched seven shutout innings and Prince Fielder extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an RBI single as the Brewers (76-72) remained one game behind the National League Central Division-leading Chicago Cubs (78-72), who beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2.

"They're not going to let (Prince Fielder) or (Ryan Braun) and those type of guys beat you this time of season," Dillon said. "It's got to be the role guys chipping in and getting the big hits in big situations."

Reds starter Matt Belisle (8-9) struck out the side in the first two innings but ran into trouble in third. Rickie Weeks walked and Craig Counsell singled and Dillon delivered them both home with a double to right.

Two innings later, after Bill Hall led off with a bunt single and Counsell was hit by a pitch, Dillon again doubled to right with two outs, scoring both runners. He then scored on Fielder's single to left.

"He'll give you a great at-bat everytime he steps into the batter's box," Brewers manager Ned Yost said of Dillon. "Those are guys I like to have. I'm glad we've got him now."

After six minor league seasons from 1997 to 2003, Dillon was out of professional baseball and coaching college baseball at his alma mater, Texas Tech University, in 2003. He began his comeback in 2004, made his big league debut with the Florida Marlins in 2005 and spent last season in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants.

Before being recalled by the Brewers this season, Dillon batted.317 with 20 home runs in 94 games for Class AAA Nashville, and on Sunday, Brewers manager Ned Yost gave the journeyman his sixth start of the season. And Dillon responded.

"It's been a long road for me, so it's so gratifying to finally be able to contribute," Dillon said. "This is what I've worked for my whole life, to get to this point and contribute."

Villanueva won for the second time in three September starts since replacing the injured Claudio Vargas in the Brewers rotation.

"Being able to help the team right now in the situation we're in is a good feeling," Villanueva said.

The righthander allowed six hits, five of which were singles, and struck out four with three walks.

"He really had good stuff," Reds interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "It was a very impressive outing for him. He kept our bats quiet."

The Reds threatened with two runs on four hits off relievers Matt Wise and Brian Shouse, but Francisco Cordero struck out pinch hitter Jorge Cantu to end the frame and struck out the side in the ninth for his 43rd save. It was Cordero's second four-out save in as many days.

"We're one game behind, and there's only 14 days left and we can do a lot of damage," Cordero said. "We can win the division, and we're trying to do that."

Belisle tied a career high with nine strikeouts, but allowed five runs on six hits over six innings. Belisle also struck outnine on Aug. 25 vs. the Marlins.

"Dillon had my number, but it's the way I got to Dillon that hurt me," Belisle said. "Walking Weeks (in the third) and Counsell getting hit (in the fifth), that's what set it up. Makes me want to puke."