Times wires
Thursday, May 26, 2011
PHILADELPHIA — Pitcher Cliff Lee drove in three runs with a bases-loaded double and a single, and worked eight effective innings, leading the Phillies to a 10-4 win over the Reds on Thursday afternoon.
"He has a strong swing," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "When you can swing the bat, it means a lot. You can really help yourself."
Lee helped himself in the series finale after Wednesday's 19-inning game that ended at 1:19 a.m., after 600 total pitches.
Raul Ibanez hit a three-run homer for the Phillies, who took three of four from the Reds.
With the score tied at 4, the Phillies loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth against Daryl Thompson. After a walk, Lee huddled briefly with Manuel to discuss a strategy that went something like "get a hit."
Lee hit a first-pitch ground-rule double that bounced over the fence in center.
"First-pitch fastball," Lee said. "I was looking for something out over the plate that I could put a good swing on."
An inning later, Lee hit an RBI single, becoming the first Phillies pitcher to drive in three runs since Cory Lidle on Sept. 4, 2004, against the Mets.