PHILADELPHIA — Chase Utley made two diving, backhanded catches, hit another homer, barreled into a catcher and tried to bunt for a base hit.
Ken Griffey Jr. remained one shy of 600 home runs after getting the night off, but Utley hit his major league- leading 21st homer to help the Phillies beat the Reds 5-4 on Monday night.
Griffey wasn’t in the Reds’ starting lineup because of general soreness, though he should start tonight.
Utley went deep for the fifth consecutive game, tying a club record he shares with Dick Allen, Mike Schmidt and Bobby Abreu. Utley also homered in five consecutive games earlier this season.
“He’s swinging the bat as good as I’ve ever seen him and he’s doing it every night,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.
Pedro Feliz and Chris Coste also connected for the NL East-leading Phillies. Rookie sensation Jay Bruce and Edwin Encarnacion went deep for the Reds.
