MLB: Philadelphia 9, Milwaukee 4

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A three-run homer by Jimmy Rollins climaxed a six-run fifth inning Thursday that allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to coast to a 9-4 victory over Milwaukee.

The Phillies increased their lead in the National League East to seven games over Atlanta and 7 1/2 over Florida.

Philadelphia's big fifth inning gave the Phillies an 8-1 lead and made a winner out of J.A. Happ (11-4), who gave up two runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings, striking out seven.

Three relievers allowed four hits and two runs the rest of the way.

Philadelphia fifth's inning was helped along by shortstop Alcides Escobar's one-out throwing error that allowed Jayson Werth to reach first base. Ben Francisco then singled, and Pedro Feliz, Paul Bako and Happ all delivered RBI base hits.

That brought up Rollins, who produced his 20th homer of the season.

Jeff Suppan (7-11) gave up eight runs on 12 hits in 4 1/3 innings.