Moyer Can't Get Out of His Slump

Aaron Harang limited the National League's highest-scoring lineup to a just one run -- a solo shot to center by Raul Ibanez -- Wednesday night while Brandon Phillips drove in three runs, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 5-1 victory that ended the Philadelphia Phillies' winning streak at five games.

Harang has alternated losses and wins all season, but last night he helped the Reds snap a four-game losing streak (their longest of the season) leaving Jamie Moyer winless in four May starts. The 46-year-old hadn't pitched in Cincinnati since May 4, 1991 and although his first appearance at Great American Ball Park was better than his recent outings, it wasn't good enough to bust his May slump.

Ryan Hanigan hit a solo homer, and Phillips and Jay Bruce had run-scoring singles off the left-hander. Leadoff hitter Willy Taveras had a pair of singles, ending an 0-for-19 slump that was the worst of his career. 

The Phillies opened their 10-game trip by sweeping a four-game series in Washington and winning their first in Cincinnati. They were batting .282 on the road, but couldn't do much against the Reds' top starter. Harang allowed four hits and a pair of walks while matching his season high with nine strikeouts.

Philadelphia didn't get a hit over the last five innings, with the last 10 batters going out in order.

 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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