Dodgers cripple Reds with four home runs

CINCINNATI – Manny Ramirez hit the first of Los Angeles’ four homers, and the Dodgers blew a four-run lead before powering to an 11-4 victory that ended the Cincinnati Reds’ five-game winning streak in the National League Saturday.

Ramirez connected on a two-run shot in the first inning off left-hander Matt Maloney (0-3), Rafael Furcal hit a tiebreaking solo shot in the fifth, and Matt Kemp and Orlando Hudson homered as the Dodgers pulled away.

Jeff Weaver (6-4) bailed out starter Charlie Haeger, who had a bad day with his knuckleball. Haeger squandered a 4-0 lead in less than three innings.

The NL West leaders improved to 21-4 against Cincinnati since 2006, their best mark against any NL team.

At San Francisco, Barry Zito carried a shutout into the ninth inning and Pablo Sandoval homered as San Francisco moved within a game of Colorado for the NL wild-card lead, beating the Rockies, 5-3.

Brad Hawpe homered and pinch-hitter Seth Smith drove in two runs for the Rockies, who lost their fourth straight - tying their longest slide this season.

Zito (9-11) allowed one run and eight hits over 8 1-3 innings. He walked one and struck out seven.

Jason Marquis (14-9) gave up five runs and nine hits over six innings.

At Philadelphia, Garret Anderson hit a three-run homer and three other Braves went deep in a rain-shortened 9-1 win over Philadelphia.

The game was called with the Phillies due up in the eighth inning after a 43-minute delay caused by torrential rain. The game started 24 minutes late.

Cliff Lee (5-1) was making his sixth start with the NL East leaders since being traded from Cleveland July 29. He went 5-0 with a 0.68 ERA in his first five.  (AP)