From Deseret News archives:

Utley extends streak, but Phillies lose

Published: Monday, July 31, 2006 11:23 p.m. MDT
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Distracted by trade speculation, Jon Lieber turned in a terrible performance.

Miguel Cabrera drove in three runs with a homer and two doubles, and Josh Johnson pitched seven strong innings to lead the Florida Marlins over the Philadelphia Phillies 15-2 on Monday in Philadelphia.

Chase Utley extended his hitting streak to 32 games for Philadelphia, but Lieber was roughed up on a day when he wasn't sure if he would take the mound.

Lieber (4-8) allowed nine runs and 13 hits, including three homers, in 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander had been mentioned in trade talks but didn't go anywhere before the 4 p.m. EDT deadline.

"I'm not foolish to say it wasn't a distraction, especially when you have to pitch on the deadline, and you don't know if you're going to pitch," Lieber said. "It's frustrating."

Johnson (9-5) gave up one run and five hits. The 22-year-old rookie struck out eight and lowered his NL-best ERA to 2.52.

"He was outstanding," Marlins manager Joe Girardi said. "He stayed ahead of hitters and made them hit his pitch."

Jeremy Hermida hit a three-run homer, and Miguel Olivo and Dan Uggla each added a two-run shot for the Marlins, who snapped a three-game losing skid.

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But general manager Pat Gillick couldn't find a taker for slugger Pat Burrell, who has two years and $27 million remaining on his contract that includes a no-trade clause.

The underachieving Phillies, who trail the Reds by 5 1/2 games in the NL wild-card standings, made four trades in the past week to dump salaries and restock their farm system.

"There were things we would've liked to get done," Gillick said. "We got a few things accomplished, but we didn't do everything on our list."

One player they plan to keep in Philadelphia for a while is Utley. The All-Star second baseman was 0-for-2 against Johnson before he singled off the glove of diving second baseman Uggla. Utley's streak is the longest in the major leagues this season, and second-longest in team history.

ROCKIES 4, BREWERS 2: At Denver, Aaron Cook won for the first time in a month, and the Colorado Rockies found some of their missing power at the plate in a victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

DIAMONDBACKS 15, CUBS 4: At Chicago, Orlando Hudson hit home runs from both sides of the plate, including his first career grand slam, as the Arizona Diamondbacks hit a team-record six homers in a victory over the Chicago Cubs.

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George Widman, Associated Press

Philadelphia's Chase Utley scores against Florida after hitting in his 32nd straight game.

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