Phillies 6, Reds 4
Rookie Vance Worley secured his eighth consecutive win and Ryan Howard homered for the third time in as many contests as the Philadelphia Phillies held on for a 6-4 road triumph over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday to cap a four-game sweep.
Rookie Michael Martinez belted a two-run homer and Brian Schneider, Shane Victorino and Worley had RBI singles for Philadelphia, which improved to 7-1 against Cincinnati in 2011 and 30-12 over the last six seasons.
The Phillies remained 7 1/2 games clear of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East. The Braves posted a 5-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.
Worley (10-1) continued his winning ways after tossing six-plus solid innings. He ran into trouble in the seventh after allowing a three-run homer to Chris Heisey, who returned from the disabled list on Thursday.
Brad Lidge and Antonio Bastardo bridged the gap to Ryan Madson, who retired the side in order in the ninth for his 26th save of the season.
Mike Leake (11-9) remained winless in three career outings against the Phillies after allowing four runs on seven hits in six innings.