Burrell belts 23rd homer as Phils exploit D-backs' bullpen

PHILADELPHIA (ESPN.com news services) -- Now in his ninth season, Pat Burrell would like to someday play in an All-Star Game.

In the meantime, he plans to keep getting big hits for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Burrell hit a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the eighth inning and the Phillies held their NL East lead heading into the All-Star break, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-3 Sunday.

The Phillies began the day with a half-game edge over both Florida and the New York Mets. Arizona still leads the NL West, albeit with a 47-48 record.

Burrell finished third in fan voting to become the 32nd and final player added to the NL All-Star team. He was then bypassed in favor of New York's David Wright to replace injured Chicago outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

"You know what? It's one of those things," said Burrell, hitting .275 with 23 homers and 57 RBIs. "I'd like to go. But no message. It's over."

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said he thinks Burrell is deserving of an All-Star spot.

"I think Pat has been tremendous," Manuel said. "At the same time, I think Pat can hit .300. How about that? If he did that, his numbers would be off the chart."

After starters Brandon Webb and Cole Hamels left after the seventh with the score tied at 2, the Phillies broke away.

Chase Utley and Ryan Howard singled and Burrell followed with his home run, connecting against Chad Qualls (2-7). Pedro Feliz hit a solo homer one out later.

"I thought I threw some pretty good pitches," Qualls said. "The pitch to Howard was down and the one to Burrell was down and away. It's frustrating, but that's the way it goes in this game sometimes."

Ryan Madson (2-0) pitched a scoreless eighth to get the win. Brad Lidge allowed an RBI single to Orlando Hudson in the ninth.

Chad Tracy homered and Chris Burke had three hits for the Diamondbacks.

Webb, who leads the major leagues with 13 wins, gave up seven hits. He struck out six and walked none.

"Every time he goes out there, he gives us a consistent effort," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. "He's one of the most consistent in walks. That's why he's going to the All-Star Game."

An All-Star for the third straight season, Webb let Philadelphia make it 2-all in the seventh on an RBI double by Jimmy Rollins.

Webb, who threw 108 pitches, said he likely would sit out Tuesday's All-Star Game.

"Probably not a real good chance I'll be throwing, I would say," he said, according to The Arizona Republic. "I'd be maybe an emergency guy."

Hamels helped himself in the fifth, hitting a double that scored Feliz from first to get the Phillies within 2-1.

Hamels gave up a season-high 11 hits, struck out eight and walked one. He has pitched at least seven innings in eight straight games.

"I think I have a lot to improve on in the second half," Hamels said. "That's what the second half is all about. I'm going to relax, play a little golf and come back fresh."

Tracy hit his fifth home run in the second inning.

The Diamondbacks made it 2-0 in the fourth by stringing together three hits with two outs. Chris Young bunted for a single, Burke followed with an infield single and Robby Hammock, batting only .158 at the time, hit an RBI single.

Game notes
The Phillies recalled RHP Joe Bisenius from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned R.J. Swindle. ... Rollins stole two bases in the game, giving him 38 straight, the longest streak in the major leagues dating to Aug. 31, 2007. He's 24-for-24 this season. ... The Diamondbacks finished 3-3 on their six-game road trip. ... Phillies C Chris Coste snapped an 0-for-24 drought with a single in the seventh. ... Philadelphia OF Geoff Jenkins left the game with a bruised left elbow.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.