An early birdie blitz helped Padraig Harrington bridge the gap on the leaders midway through the third round of the New Orleans Classic.

The Dubliner reached the turn in 33 having picked up three shots on overnight leader Briny Baird, who has played just one hole of his third round.  Birdies at the first, second and seventh moved Harrington to six-under for the tournament, two behind Baird's lead.

Baird birdied the final two holes last night to finish eight-under, one stroke better than Peter Lonard and Jay Williamson.