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  Saturday, Jul. 8 7:05pm ET
Ashby gives scouts a good look-see
 
  RECAP | BOX SCORE | GAME LOG

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Andy Ashby gave the scouts plenty to notice Saturday night.

Ashby, likely to be dealt before the July 31 trading deadline, pitched eight strong innings as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Baltimore Orioles 13-4.

Andy Ashby
Ashby

"I've never been in a situation like this," said Ashby, whose strong desire to test the free agent market after the season has made him trade bait. "I just want to focus on helping the club win while I'm here. If something happens, I'll adjust. I have to figure I'll be here the rest of the season."

Pat Burrell, Mike Lieberthal and Rob Ducey each had three RBI to lead the Phillies.

Ashby (4-7), pitching for the first time at Veterans Stadium since getting into a shouting match with a fan as he was exiting a game June 28, allowed three runs -- one earned -- and seven hits.

Ashby struck out two and walked two to win his second straight start as scouts from at least seven teams watched him.

"I'm trying to block it out," said Ashby, who was booed after allowing a run that made the score 11-3. "At times, I may have heard too much. But, I haven't given them much to cheer about. My kids were booing me early in the season."

Ashby allowed a pair of two-out unearned runs in the first, then retired 11 in a row. He did not allow a hit after the first until Delino DeShields singled to lead off the sixth.

"I know it's been tough on him and his family," Phillies manager Terry Francona said. "I just hope he knows how much the people in this clubhouse care for him, and hopefully that's enough for him. He's as good a teammate as you can find. Hopefully this is the start of something good."

Jose Mercedes (3-4) lasted three innings in his first start since April 27. He allowed nine runs -- six earned -- and six hits.

The Phillies took advantage of Mercedes' wildness and an error to score five runs on two hits in the first.

After Mickey Morandini singled with one out, Bobby Abreu and Scott Rolen walked on eight pitches to load the bases. Morandini scored when Lieberthal reached on an error by DeShields.

Burrell walked to force in a run and tie it at 2. Ducey's single made it 4-2 and a sacrifice fly by Alex Arias gave the Phillies a 5-2 lead.

"I'm real tired of seeing this. We're better than this," Baltimore manager Mike Hargrove said.

Burrell hit a two-run double in the third and Lieberthal added a two-run double in the fourth. Burrell has 33 RBI in 40 games since being called up from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on May 24.

"He's been awesome," Burrell said of Ashby. "He's a great teammate, real supportive. All the guys are real happy for him."

Ashby had two hits, including a RBI single. He has more hits (five) and RBI (five) than wins (four).

The two-time All Star was acquired from San Diego in November to solidify the rotation, but has been a disappointment. He's allowed three runs or fewer in just six of his 16 starts.

"I have a lot of respect for the guys here," Ashby said. "If I'm gone tomorrow, I feel bad I didn't do my job to help this team win."

Among those watching Ashby on Saturday were scouts from the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Atlanta, Toronto, Cleveland, Arizona and Chicago White Sox.

Game notes
Will Clark's leadoff homer in the ninth off Steve Schrenk made it 13-4. ... Ducey is 4-for-10 with eight RBI in his last two starts. ... The Phillies honored the 1950 pennant-winning Whiz Kids before the game. ... Burrell is 5-for-6 with 12 RBI with the bases loaded. ... The Phillies got hits from every starter except Doug Glanville, who struck out four times. ... Lieberthal took over the team lead with 53 RBI, surpassing Rolen. ... Philadelphia can win its seventh straight series with a victory Sunday.

 


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RECAPS
NY Yankees 4
NY Mets 2

Chicago Cubs 9
Chi. White Sox 2

Cincinnati 14
Cleveland 5

Anaheim 6
Colorado 2

Atlanta 5
Boston 1

Florida 6
Tampa Bay 5

Toronto 6
Montreal 3

Philadelphia 13
Baltimore 4

Pittsburgh 4
Minnesota 1

Kansas City 5
Houston 2

Detroit 4
Milwaukee 2

Texas 8
San Diego 1

Oakland 8
Arizona 7

Seattle 11
Los Angeles 0

San Francisco 7
St. Louis 6