Curve's Buttler serves Phils grand salami

Vic Buttler hit a grand slam, drove in six runs and fell a double short of the cycle as Altoona pounded Reading, 13-5, Wednesday.

Buttler's first big hit was a two-run triple in the fourth inning. The reigning Eastern League Offensive Player of the Week has hit five triples in his last eight games and leads the Minor Leagues with seven.

One inning later, Buttler connected for a grand slam to give Altoona an 11-4 lead. The 25-year-old center fielder came to bat in the seventh inning with a chance to hit for the cycle, but popped out to left field. Buttler has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, lifting his average from .247 to .321.

The Curve (26-14) collected a season-high 18 hits and plated runs in six innings. Brandon Chaves went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and two runs scored, while Adam Boeve went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored.

Reading (15-22) put across three unearned runs in the fourth inning. Leadoff hitter Carlos Leon reached on an error ahead of singles by John Castellano and Jim Rushford that loaded the bases with no outs. Joey Hammond's single plated Leon, while Castellano came home on Brandon Gemoll's double-play grounder. Tim Moss' double scored Rushford.

In the fifth inning, Michael Bourn singled and scored on Castellano's sacrifice fly. Leon contributed an RBI double in the seventh.

Brady Borner (2-0) collected the win, allowing one run in 2 1/3 innings. Starter Jason Roach worked 4 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs -- one earned -- on seven hits. Chris Hernandez finished up with two perfect frames.

Daniel Haigwood (1-2) suffered the loss, allowing six runs on 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings. Tim McClaskey was touched for five runs in 1 2/3 frames, while Matt Sweeney yielded two runs in two innings. The 13 runs and 18 hits were the most allowed by the Phillies' pitching staff this season. -- Benjamin Hill/MLB.com