RICK EYMER
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Ben Revere took leadoff hitting to new heights the past two games and his success has put him into the mix for the NL batting race.
Revere got three more hits Sunday, though the Philadelphia Phillies wasted a few early scoring opportunities and fell to the San Francisco Giants 5-2 on Sunday.
Revere, who had four hits in Saturday’s loss, has seven hits in his last 10 plate appearances. He led off an inning eight times in that span, getting six hits.
“It’s a good feeling leading off an inning with a hit,” said Revere, who said he’s never led off so many times in such a short span. “I’m just doing the best I can to get on base ahead of our guys.”
Revere recently qualified for the NL leaders and currently ranks second in hitting with his .314 average. Colorado’s Justin Morneau leads at .323.
“He’s on fire the way he’s putting the ball in play,” Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said. “He’s continued to use the whole field and finding holes.”
Revere is hitting .376 (70 for 186) since June 26 and leads the majors in hits and average over that span. The batting title is within reach for him.
“If I can it would be a blessing,” Revere said. “I just keep going out there one game at a time. I’ve been this far, I think I can manage the last 40 games.”
Chase Utley and Cody Asche drove in runs for the Phillies, who have lost seven of their last nine.
The Phillies stranded seven runners in the first three innings against Giants starter Tim Lincecum (10-8), who needed 76 pitches to get that far.
“Those first three innings with a chance to get more runs and not doing it is frustrating,” Revere said. “Lincecum found a way to get out of it. He did his part and we didn’t do our part.”
Asche also had three hits for the Phillies, though his RBI came on a bases-loaded walk.
The Giants bullpen held Philadelphia scoreless on two hits the final four innings, striking out nine.
David Buchanan (6-7) allowed two earned runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings.
“A quality start for him,” Sandberg said. “He kept his stuff to the end. He didn’t taper off. He hung in there nice and continues to improve.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Phillies: LHP Jesse Biddle, considered one of the team’s top prospects, strained his right quad on Saturday in a start for Double-A Reading. . RHP Kyle Kendrick apologized to Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg for storming off the mound when he was removed from Saturday’s game against the Giants. He said he was upset about coming out and not at teammates Chase Utley and Ryan Howard for allowing a pop fly to land safely.
Giants: Bryan Stow, the Giants fan who was the victim of a brutal beating at Dodger Stadium on opening day in 2011, was a surprise visitor to the San Francisco clubhouse before the game. Third base coach Tim Flannery ushered in Stow in his wheelchair. Stow’s son, Tyler, accompanied him. Stow visited with nearly every player and left with several souvenirs. “I know all those players have to be excited to see him and have him here at the ballpark and the clubhouse,” Bochy said. “With all he’s been through, all his family’s been through, it’s great to have him here.”
UP NEXT
Phillies: RHP Jerome Williams (2-5, 6.43) will make his second start since being claimed off waivers when he pitches Monday at home against Seattle. He allowed two earned runs in 5 1-3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels last Tuesday.
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