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Phillips, Arroyo help Reds top Cardinals

Jun 13, 2008 - 2:56 AM By Douglas Tifft PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- The Cincinnati Reds wasted a solid performance from Bronson Arroyo, both on the mound and at the plate, but recovered as Brandon Phillips highlighted a four-run seventh inning with a three-run triple en route to a 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

Arroyo got the start and pitched six innings, allowing just two hits with four strikeouts. He also belted his fourth career home run - a solo shot - as part of a two-run fifth.

"Once a year, you get lucky and hit one out of the ballpark," Arroyo said of his home run. "I hope I can keep saying that for the next 10 years."

Arroyo only threw 86 pitches, but manager Dusty Baker explained why he pulled his starter after only six innings.

"He had a cramp in his forearm, and anybody who has had a cramp knows what that is like," Baker said. "But, boy, I sure hated to take him out because he was masterful tonight."

The performance by Arroyo came after two subpar outings in which he did not escape the fifth inning. Arroyo noticed a difference in Thursday's start that keyed the strong effort.

"I had a little bit better command of the fastball (than in the past few outings)," he said. "I did not put myself in trouble by walking guys."

The righthander did not get the win, however, as he was relieved by Jeremy Affeldt in the seventh. Affeldt promptly surrendered a two-run homer by Troy Glaus to even the game at 2-2.

The Reds responded in the bottom half by loading the bases with two outs for Ken Griffey Jr., who walked to force in what proved to be the winning run. Phillips followed with his fifth triple of the season to extend the lead to 6-2.

"I thank Griffey for getting on base because I think (they walked him because) you would rather sacrifice one run than four," Phillips said. "So I thank Griffey for that (opportunity)."

Jared Burton (3-1), who relieved Affeldt in the seventh and also worked the eighth, picked up the win after allowing one hit and striking out two.

St. Louis starter Joel Pineiro pitched well in his return from the disabled list with a strained right groin, which he suffered on May 21. Pineiro lasted five innings, allowing two runs and three hits with six strikeouts, but was limited to just 69 pitches in his return.

Mark Worrell (0-1) retired two batters but allowed two runs in the seventh to take the loss for the Cardinals, who had their four-game winning streak snapped.