Brown homers twice, Phillies top Red Sox

Charlie Manuel smiles when he mentions Domonic Brown. That’s been so since camp opened in February. During spring training the Phillies manager talked about how Brown is listening and has cut down his swing

“I can see him having a big year,” Manuel said in Clearwater. “He looks real good.”

Well, Brown is proving Manuel correct. The Phillies' left fielder’s big game propelled the Phillies to a 4-3 win over the Red Sox Wednesday night.

Brown blasted two homers, giving him 13 for the season, which is just one dinger behind NL leader Justin Upton.

The reigning NL player of the week has been on fire. During the last 11 games, Brown is hitting .297 with six homers and 12 RBIs, along with 10 extra-base hits.

“I like it when he hits,” Manuel said. “I like to leave him alone and let him play.”

Brown believes part of the reason he is playing so well is because he doesn’t have to look over his shoulder. He’s starting no matter what.

“I think that definitely plays a part,” Brown said. “If I have a bad game, I don’t have to worry about benched.”

That’s the last thing Brown has to worry about if he can continue to hit the way he has recently.

Brown wasn’t alone in the homer parade. All of the Phillies' runs were courtesy of solo shots. Ryan Howard and Erik Kratz also connected.

Thirty of the Phillies' last 32 homers have been of the solo variety.

Kyle Kendrick pitched well once again after making two disappointing starts. Kendrick wasn’t exceptional but he was solid, particularly when he had to be.

“He got out of a tough jam in the sixth,” Manuel said. “He was good.”

Overall, Kendrick has been dependable. In eight out of his 11 games Kendrick has gone at least six innings and allowed two runs or less.

He received enough support from Brown, who leads the Phillies in homers, RBIs with 32 and total bases with 97

“I’m just trying to stay steady,” Brown said. “I’m not getting caught up in anything. When I hit a home run, I don’t get too excited like I used to. I just focus on what I have to do next.”