Abreu’s Grand Slam Sparks Rout by Phillies

Bobby Abreu is a tough batter with runners in scoring position.

Abreu hit his first career grand slam and the Philadelphia Phillies scored their most runs in four years, routing the Florida Marlins, 17-3, Friday night at Philadelphia.

Last year, Abreu hit a major league-leading .427 with men in scoring position.

“I think I concentrate more with men on,” he said. “I usually try to relax and just hit the ball up the middle.”

Abreu’s grand slam in the fourth inning off reliever Rafael Medina went high over the right-field fence.

Arizona 10, San Francisco 4--The Diamondbacks hit four home runs at Phoenix in a game that featured a bench-clearing fight and the ejection of Arizona pitcher Todd Stottlemyre and Giant third baseman Charlie Hayes.

Tony Batista, Matt Williams and Travis Lee hit two-run homers and Steve Finley had a solo shot for Arizona.

As Hayes rounded second base in the sixth inning, he apparently took offense at something Stottlemyre said.

Hayes charged the mound and took a swing. Stottlemyre ducked but the punch landed on his shoulder. The two players tangled, both dugouts and bullpens emptied in a scrum near the mound.

St. Louis 5, Houston 3--Mark McGwire doubled with second baseman Craig Biggio playing as a fourth outfielder, sparking a five-run rally for the Cardinals at Houston.

Trailing 1-0, McGwire led off the fourth inning with a liner to right-center as Biggio moved to a position between left and center field.

Montreal 6, New York 4--Dustin Hermanson gave up six hits in 7 1/3 innings and Rondell White’s solo homer keyed a four-run fourth inning for the Expos at New York.

Cincinnati 6, Pittsburgh 5--Hal Morris hit a two-run double off Mike Williams in the ninth inning giving the Reds the victory at Cincinnati.

Chicago 9, Milwaukee 4--Sammy Sosa, who hit 12 of his 66 homers against Brewer pitching last year, connected again in the Cubs’ victory before 55,770 at Milwaukee.

Atlanta at Colorado, ppd., snow--The Rockies were postponed for the second time in three days at Coors Field. The game will be made up Aug. 19.