Beating Phillies Makes Lewis’ Day

PHILADELPHIA —  Mark Lewis made the Philadelphia Phillies pay for benching him last September.

Lewis tied a career high with four hits against his former team Thursday night as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 7-3.

Lewis, who signed with the Reds as a free agent in December, believes the Phillies sat him the final two games last season because he was getting $1,500 a plate appearance.

“There’s no question I was trying hard,” he said. “That was something I’ll never forget. But I have no hard feelings. It just feels good to win.”

Barry Larkin and Mike Cameron each drove in two runs for the Reds, who built a 5-0 lead after three innings against Philadelphia starter Carlton Loewer (1-2).

Lewis went four for four and had seven hits in the three-game series. That was more hits than he had in a series all season in 1998 with the Phillies.

Marlon Anderson, his replacement at second base in Philadelphia, went 0 for 4 and is mired in a two-for-26 slump.

“I love Philadelphia and I love Phillies fans,” Lewis said. “I was disappointed with the way it ended, but it worked out for the best.”

Cincinnati starter Jason Bere (2-0) gave up two runs and four hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out five, although he did run three-ball counts on 23 hitters.

Bere was happy to get the win but disappointed by being pulled in the sixth.

“It wasn’t a breeze at all,” he said. “I would have definitely liked to go longer but I threw too many pitches. Hopefully the battling will eventually pay off.”