Prince Fielder and backup catcher Mike Rivera each hit two home runs, and the struggling Milwaukee Brewers built a big lead before hanging on to beat the San Diego Padres 12-9 Thursday.
Fielder hit a 465-foot shot off the Miller Park scoreboard and Ryan Braun also connected. The Brewers hit a season-high five home runs and helped Manny Parry win his fifth straight decision.
Milwaukee almost squandered a 9-0 lead and needed Trevor Hoffman to earn his 26th save. The Brewers, who limped through the last six weeks after entering July with a two-game lead in the NL Central, won a day after sending former All-Star shortstop J.J. Hardy to the minors, designating third baseman Bill Hall for assignment and firing pitching coach Bill Castro.
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