Long Ball Powers Phils Over Mets

Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run.  And, well, Ryan Howard

finished it with one.

The Phillies were trailing the Mets 2-1 in the top of the ninth when Howard hit a two run shot that gave the Phillies the lead for good.  Jonathan Papelbon worked the ninth for his 36th save as the Phils tried to keep pace in the Wild Card hunt with the 3-2 victory.

Phillies starter Cole Hamels struck out 10 in six innings of work and allowed just the two runs.  Hamels has for the most part done his job at keeping the Phillies in the game.  More times than not, however, the Phils have failed to return the favor in a sense.

Matt Harvey confused Phillies hitters all night.  After Rollins homered in the first, Harvey didn’t allow another hit going seven innings.  The righty also struck out seven in his last start for the season.

It would be Josh Edgin who gave up the home run to Howard.  The Pennsylvania native suffered his first loss tonight in his young career.

There wasn’t much to this game.  With this win, the Phillies stay in the hunt.  A sweep tomorrow would be even better.