Bush comes close to no-hitter in win

Dave Bush held Philadelphia hitless for 7 1/3 innings before pinch-hitter Matt Stairs homered off the foul pole, and the Milwaukee Brewers cruised to a 6-1 win Thursday.

One batter after third baseman Bill Hall made a tremendous play to preserve Bush’s try, Stairs batted for reliever Chad Durbin and launched a high fly that hit the pole in right field.

World Series MVP Cole Hamels was forced to leave in the fourth inning after getting hit in the left shoulder by Prince Fielder’s line drive. The Phillies said Hamels, who had an 11.17 ERA after his first two starts, had a bruise.